Like garage bands,   it is common in the BBQ competition  world for teams to form and change over time  and Southern Thunder is no different.  The original members came from a blend of a former, very experienced pro-team competitors who had a habit of opening his tent to newbies.  For the next three years things clicked and the team scored an impressive string of grand championships in the Back Yard division.   Then some of the team decided to put their big boy paints on so the team split into two pro teams and one backyard.  A year later they reformed again as two pro teams.  Confused?  So are they,  but all remain fast friends and always revel in each other’s victories – this is called “the BBQ Brethren”  and you would be amazed at how much fun it is to be a part of it.

Pete's original smoker, 15 years ago

Pete's original smoker, 15 years ago

 I spent the 1990's modifying this piece of junk trying to get it to cook properly.  If only I knew then what I know now...

This is 2012 Pigs and Peaches Backyard Grand Championship team. Dave Weiss on the far right went on to become a permanent member. The others are now mostly avoiding arrest warrants.