50 Of Nation's Top Pilots To Compete Over Anderson, SC

The Balloon Federation of America tells ANN that 50 of the nation’s top hot air balloon pilots will color the skies above Anderson County, SC beginning Tuesday, August 26 as the Balloon Federation of America launches the 2008 US National Hot Air Balloon Championship.

The field of competitors will include current World Champion, John Petrehn of Leawood, KS and current National Champion and former World Champion, Joe Heartsill of San Angelo, TX. The remainder of the field includes at least four other former National champions and two other former World champion.

Weather permitting, pilots will fly a series of competitive tasks both mornings and evenings beginning Wednesday, August 27 and continuing through Monday morning, September 1 after which the new National Champion will be crowned. Each of the participating pilots earned the right to compete for the title by competing in qualifying events throughout 2007.

The US National Champion and other top finishers will win the right to also go on to represent the US at the World Hot Air Balloon Championship,to be held in 2010 in Debrecen, Hungary. They also qualify to go to the World Air Games in Mondovi, Italy next year.

BFA will provide daily updates with scores, photos and podcasts throughout the National Championship on the organization's Web site, at the FMI link below.

FMI: www.bfa.net