Philbin Advances in NJ

Competitive eating fans gathered on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike for the 4th installment of the Molly Pitcher Nathan's Famous Hot Dog qualifier.

New Jersey residents present cheered as Garden State Great Pat From Moonachie won the event with 22.5 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes.

Allen Goldstein was on Philbin's heels throughout and finished in second with 20.5 HDBs.

Impressive performances were put up by a variety of newcomers including 3rd place finisher Arturo Rios who got down 15.5.

Other notable contestants included Beautiful Brian and Don Lerman. Don's performance came to a disturbing and abrupt end, his wild card hopes seemingly dashed now with an average of 0 HDBs after two contests. Wild card watchers now look to Atlanta where Hall Hunt and Larry the Legend battle for either victory or the card.

Conti and Eater X judged the NJ event as did Lipsitz and wife Lorraine.

It was a hot, busy day at the rest area and regular unleaded was selling well at $2.90 a gallon.