Close yet so far away!

In the previous post on the 10th (click here ) the 1990 Marintzer pumpkin was gaining ~13 lbs a day, which is actually pathetic in the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin growing world, even at 61 days after pollination. But since the growing plot is new without amendments and a soil analysis, I guess it's acceptable. This morning the plant was starting to show some insect/disease damage, thanks in part to a couple of days over 100 degrees last week. But, it may still reach my goal of a half ton pumpkin. This morning it taped (estimated) at 833 pounds and is now averaging 10 pounds a day. Will it reach that 1000 pound goal? I'm still optimistic barring any further or accelerated plant damage (let alone dealing with the stupid southwest Kansas August weather). As of today, I'm heavily leaning towards taking it to the Kansas State Fair with the drop-off date of September 9. If it could hold on to the 10 pounds a day then it would be around 1,063 pounds o...