Source: Longview TX news-journal.com
Paul Petrehn of Howell, Mich., has been named the winner of this year’s U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship, flown for the second year in Longview.
National Champion – Balloonist Paul Petrehn is awarded with a check for $7,500 after taking first place in the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship Sunday at the East Texas Regional Airport.
Photo: Michael Cavazos/News-JournalPetrehn was followed by Rhett Heartsill, Pat Cannon, Jeff Pestun and Joe Zvada to round out the top five.
GTBR Champion – Balloonist Wil LaPointe is awarded with a check for $1,200 after taking first place in the Great Texas Balloon Race Sunday at East Texas Regional Airport.
Photo: Michael Cavazos/News-JournalWil LaPointe of Collinsville, Okla. is the overall Great Texas Balloon Race winner. Heartsill, of San Angelo, is the Texas State Champion.
Balloons – Rhett Heartsill attempts to maneuver his balloon closer to the pole during the final day of the Great Texas Balloon Race and U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.
Photo: Michael Cavazos/News-JournalThe final flight for the races was this morning with a target at East Texas Regional Airport, capping off more than a week of balloon events surrounding the national race and the 36th Great Texas Balloon Race.
Final day of balloon race – Pilot Andrew Petrehn flies away from the target at East Texas Regional Airport
Click here to see the Final pilot standings for the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.
Source: Longview TX news-journal.com