What year was the inaugural year of the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 competition and has any mason ever laid over 1,000 bricks?
The first SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 was held in February, 2003 at the Las Vegas Convention Center's "Silver Lot." After eight competitions, no contestants have ever laid 1,000 bricks or more, but the top count is 911 bricks.
How big of voids are allowed on the wall without deductions?
The judges will allow voids of a 1/4" inch or smaller without deduction.
How do I get involved as a mason in the SMBL 500 competition? I'm from Northern Illinois.
You have to enter as competitor in a SMBL 500 Regional. Last year 13 Regionals were held across North America. Check with a SPEC MIX licensee in your area and they can direct you to the nearest SMBL 500 Regional. In your case it is Package Concrete, Inc. 1-800-466-4303, located in Elburn, Illinois. Your contact there is Brian Petty and he can enter you in the application process. Note that there is always limited space available and positions usually fill up quickly so don't delay contacting the host licensee once the Regional schedule for the year is posted.