Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis Take The Lead in Challenge Race
Less Than 15 Miles Between Top Two Contenders
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 8:30 PM MT the American team of Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team 4) are in the lead by almost 15 miles. Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team 6) are just east of U.S. 281 in northeastern Nebraska. The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2) have dropped to third place. According to the 8:30 live tracker results, their balloon was still over Interstate 35 in Texas and had moved less than a mile in the past hour. It’s possible they have landed. You be the judge. Tracker results for 8:30 and 7:30 PM follow for comparison.
Live Tracker Stats as of 8:30 PM MT:
651.37 mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
636.55 mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
601.21 mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
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Live Tracker Stats as of 7:30 PM MT:
623.90 mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
600.69 mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
552.60 mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
It’s shortly after 9:00 PM, 55 degrees and still raining in Albuquerque. Thunderstorms and scattered rains are forecast for tomorrow. The 9:00 PM tracker shows Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis still in the lead at 669.52 miles. The mileage reported for Eimers/Winker remains at 601.21 miles.
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com); weather updates from the National Weather Service, reporting by Barb Tomlin.
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 8:30 PM MT the American team of Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team 4) are in the lead by almost 15 miles. Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team 6) are just east of U.S. 281 in northeastern Nebraska. The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2) have dropped to third place. According to the 8:30 live tracker results, their balloon was still over Interstate 35 in Texas and had moved less than a mile in the past hour. It’s possible they have landed. You be the judge. Tracker results for 8:30 and 7:30 PM follow for comparison.
Live Tracker Stats as of 8:30 PM MT:
651.37 mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
636.55 mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
601.21 mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
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Live Tracker Stats as of 7:30 PM MT:
623.90 mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
600.69 mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
552.60 mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
It’s shortly after 9:00 PM, 55 degrees and still raining in Albuquerque. Thunderstorms and scattered rains are forecast for tomorrow. The 9:00 PM tracker shows Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis still in the lead at 669.52 miles. The mileage reported for Eimers/Winker remains at 601.21 miles.
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com); weather updates from the National Weather Service, reporting by Barb Tomlin.
Less than 60 Miles Separate America’s Challenge Contenders
A Close Race Gets Closer As America's Challenge Continues
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - [AIBF] 4:45pm MT - The America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race is headed into its third day, and the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2) remains in front – but not by much. They’ve now traveled 572 miles and are nearing Waco, TX. The other two remaining teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) have now crossed northward into Nebraska and are cutting into Team #2’s lead. Abruzzo/Davis are only about 35 miles behind Eimers/Winker now, and Fricke/Cuneo only about 25 miles behind them.
At the final pilot briefing before the balloons took off on Sunday, weather forecasters John Ground and Randy LeFevre projected two potential tracks for competitors still flying after the 24-hour mark in the race. One headed generally southeast through Texas, the other northward through Nebraska. The current tracks of the balloons bear out the accuracy of that forecast.
Weather in both areas where the balloons are flying is good. It’s raining in Albuquerque (and we need the rain), but there are no nighttime events scheduled at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Here is a list of the America’s Challenge competitors and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 4:00 PM MDT (2200Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 40 mi. WSW of Waco, TX, 572 mi/921 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 20 mi. SSW of Kearney, NE, 538 mi/886 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 45 mi SSW of Kearney, NE, 514 mi/827 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km
#1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
Shortly, the competitors will have to make the decision to land or to remain in the air overnight. You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloons’ positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - [AIBF] 4:45pm MT - The America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race is headed into its third day, and the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2) remains in front – but not by much. They’ve now traveled 572 miles and are nearing Waco, TX. The other two remaining teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) have now crossed northward into Nebraska and are cutting into Team #2’s lead. Abruzzo/Davis are only about 35 miles behind Eimers/Winker now, and Fricke/Cuneo only about 25 miles behind them.
At the final pilot briefing before the balloons took off on Sunday, weather forecasters John Ground and Randy LeFevre projected two potential tracks for competitors still flying after the 24-hour mark in the race. One headed generally southeast through Texas, the other northward through Nebraska. The current tracks of the balloons bear out the accuracy of that forecast.
Weather in both areas where the balloons are flying is good. It’s raining in Albuquerque (and we need the rain), but there are no nighttime events scheduled at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Here is a list of the America’s Challenge competitors and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 4:00 PM MDT (2200Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 40 mi. WSW of Waco, TX, 572 mi/921 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 20 mi. SSW of Kearney, NE, 538 mi/886 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 45 mi SSW of Kearney, NE, 514 mi/827 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km
#1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
Shortly, the competitors will have to make the decision to land or to remain in the air overnight. You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloons’ positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Gas Balloon Race Leaders Being Challenged
German/American Team Retain Lead By 28 Miles
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 4:00 PM MT the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2), stretch to retain their lead in the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Team 4, Americans Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis, has quickened its pace to take over the lead. Less than 10 miles separate Team 4 from taking over first position.
Not to be discounted is the progress of Team 6, comprised of Amerians Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo. Since our last report, they have moved eastward ll miles, maneuvering their balloon into position to challenge the leaders.
Gas Ballon Race Stats as of 4:00 PM MT:
Eimers/Winker (EW) 568.93mi
Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (AR) 539.27mi
Fricke/Cuneo (FC) 515.68mi
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com)
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 4:00 PM MT the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2), stretch to retain their lead in the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Team 4, Americans Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis, has quickened its pace to take over the lead. Less than 10 miles separate Team 4 from taking over first position.
Not to be discounted is the progress of Team 6, comprised of Amerians Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo. Since our last report, they have moved eastward ll miles, maneuvering their balloon into position to challenge the leaders.
Gas Ballon Race Stats as of 4:00 PM MT:
Eimers/Winker (EW) 568.93mi
Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (AR) 539.27mi
Fricke/Cuneo (FC) 515.68mi
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com)
Eimers/Winker Continue America's Challenge Lead By 34 Miles
German/American Team Headed Toward Waco
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 3:00 PM MT the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2), continue to lead the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. The Eimers/Winker team has logged most of their 550 miles in Texas. They are currently navigating their balloon northeast of the intersection of U.S. 281 (N/S) and U.S.84, headed toward Waco. The American team of Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team 4) trail the leader by approximately 34 miles. Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are tracking near the northwestern border of Kansas, having logged only 14 miles fewer than Team 4.
Live Tracker Stats as of 3:00 PM MT:
550.85mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
516.47mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
494.02mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com)
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - As of 3:00 PM MT the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team 2), continue to lead the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. The Eimers/Winker team has logged most of their 550 miles in Texas. They are currently navigating their balloon northeast of the intersection of U.S. 281 (N/S) and U.S.84, headed toward Waco. The American team of Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team 4) trail the leader by approximately 34 miles. Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are tracking near the northwestern border of Kansas, having logged only 14 miles fewer than Team 4.
Live Tracker Stats as of 3:00 PM MT:
550.85mi - Eimers/Winker (Team 2)
516.47mi - Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis (Team 4)
494.02mi - Fricke/Cuneo (Team 6)
Source: Live tracking data from http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com, provided by Steve Dimse (findu.com)
America's Challenge Leaders Near 500-Mile Mark
Eimers/Winker Hold Their Lead
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), remains in the lead of the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race at the 42-hour mark. They’re headed east from the vicinity of Abilene, Texas and have now traveled nearly 500 miles (775 km). The other two remaining teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are tracking northward through Kansas and are still nearly neck and neck.
It’s drizzling in Albuquerque after a beautiful morning of competition flying, but the weather in the areas where the America’s Challenge balloons are flying is generally favorable – much better than the weather yesterday.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of
11:00 AM MDT (1700Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 125 mi. W of Waco, TX, 482 mi/775 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 55 mi. WSW of Hays, KS, 420 mi/676 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 73 mi. SW of Liberal, KS, 403 mi/649 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km #1
Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at
http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloon
positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), remains in the lead of the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race at the 42-hour mark. They’re headed east from the vicinity of Abilene, Texas and have now traveled nearly 500 miles (775 km). The other two remaining teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are tracking northward through Kansas and are still nearly neck and neck.
It’s drizzling in Albuquerque after a beautiful morning of competition flying, but the weather in the areas where the America’s Challenge balloons are flying is generally favorable – much better than the weather yesterday.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of
11:00 AM MDT (1700Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 125 mi. W of Waco, TX, 482 mi/775 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 55 mi. WSW of Hays, KS, 420 mi/676 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 73 mi. SW of Liberal, KS, 403 mi/649 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km #1
Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at
http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloon
positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Balloon Fiesta Day Three Deserves a Razzie!
Strong Winds Postponed New Mexico Challenge, Canceled Monday's Black Jack Competition
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - Yesterday, the third day of the 32nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, strong winds postponed the New Mexico Challenge Hot Air Balloon Race and canceled the morning’s Black Jack competition.
"Safety is our top priority," said Paul Smith, executive director of the Balloon Fiesta. "Although pilots were given the green light to fly at their own discretion, strong winds compelled us to cancel the competition and postpone the race until Tuesday."
The Golden Raspberry Awards, also know as "Razzies," recognize Hollywood's biggest flops. We believe day three of our Great Motion Picture Show deserves to win a Razzie. Monday will take its place among such well-know movies as Ishtar, The Postman and Hudson Hawk.
But this does not discourage us. True to Hollywood fashion, actors and directors follow a miss with a huge hit (Rain Man, Thirteen Days, Pulp Fiction). Tuesday is feeling like an Oscar winner—see you on the field!
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Albuquerque, NM - Oct. 7, 2003 - Yesterday, the third day of the 32nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, strong winds postponed the New Mexico Challenge Hot Air Balloon Race and canceled the morning’s Black Jack competition.
"Safety is our top priority," said Paul Smith, executive director of the Balloon Fiesta. "Although pilots were given the green light to fly at their own discretion, strong winds compelled us to cancel the competition and postpone the race until Tuesday."
The Golden Raspberry Awards, also know as "Razzies," recognize Hollywood's biggest flops. We believe day three of our Great Motion Picture Show deserves to win a Razzie. Monday will take its place among such well-know movies as Ishtar, The Postman and Hudson Hawk.
But this does not discourage us. True to Hollywood fashion, actors and directors follow a miss with a huge hit (Rain Man, Thirteen Days, Pulp Fiction). Tuesday is feeling like an Oscar winner—see you on the field!
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
America's Challenge Race Passes 36-Hour Mark
Three Balloons Flying, 11 Landed Safely in America's Challenge
Albuquerque, N.M., U.S.A. — Oct. 7, 2003 — Only three competitors remain aloft this morning as the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race passes the 36-hour mark. Eleven balloons landed safely in New Mexico and west Texas, with most of those landing around sunset yesterday (10/06).
The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), continues to lead. At 4:30 AM, they were near Abilene TX. Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) are WNW of Liberal, KS, and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are south of Liberal.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 4:30 AM MDT (1030Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 35 mi. W of Abilene, TX, 407 mi/420 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 35 mi. WNW of Liberal, KS, 300 mi/482 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 73 mi. SW of Liberal, KS, 285 mi/458 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km #1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
As the sun rises in the central United States, the strategies afoot will start to play out. You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloon positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Albuquerque, N.M., U.S.A. — Oct. 7, 2003 — Only three competitors remain aloft this morning as the Eighth America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race passes the 36-hour mark. Eleven balloons landed safely in New Mexico and west Texas, with most of those landing around sunset yesterday (10/06).
The German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), continues to lead. At 4:30 AM, they were near Abilene TX. Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4) are WNW of Liberal, KS, and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6) are south of Liberal.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 4:30 AM MDT (1030Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 35 mi. W of Abilene, TX, 407 mi/420 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 35 mi. WNW of Liberal, KS, 300 mi/482 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 73 mi. SW of Liberal, KS, 285 mi/458 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km #1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
As the sun rises in the central United States, the strategies afoot will start to play out. You can watch the action unfold via live tracking at http://tracker.balloonfiesta.com/index.php. The tracker updates the balloon positions every half-hour, and displays weather conditions in the area.
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Eleven Balloons Have Landed in Gas Balloon Race
Three Balloons Still Flying as America's Challenge Continues
Albuquerque, NM. — Oct. 6, 2003 — Only three competitors are flying through the night as the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race continues into its second day. Eleven balloons landed safely in New Mexico and west Texas.
The three remaining competitors are the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), and two American teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4), and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6). Team #2 currently leads, having flown 261 miles (420 km). Team #6 has flown 256 miles (412 km) and Team #4 208 miles (334 km). However, three of the balloons that have landed have flown a greater distance than Team #4, so that team is currently 6th despite the fact that they are still flying.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 9:15 PM MDT (0315Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 28 mi. NNW of Lubbock, TX, 261 mi/420 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 33 mi. SW of Amarillo, TX, 256 mi/412 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 65 mi. NW of Amarillo, TX, 208 mi/334 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km
#1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
Albuquerque, NM. — Oct. 6, 2003 — Only three competitors are flying through the night as the America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race continues into its second day. Eleven balloons landed safely in New Mexico and west Texas.
The three remaining competitors are the German/American team of Willie Eimers and Greg Winker (Team #2), and two American teams, Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer-Davis (Team #4), and Barbara Fricke and Peter Cuneo (Team #6). Team #2 currently leads, having flown 261 miles (420 km). Team #6 has flown 256 miles (412 km) and Team #4 208 miles (334 km). However, three of the balloons that have landed have flown a greater distance than Team #4, so that team is currently 6th despite the fact that they are still flying.
Here is a list of the balloons and their approximate, unofficial positions as of 9:15 PM MDT (0315Z):
#2 Eimers/Winker, 28 mi. NNW of Lubbock, TX, 261 mi/420 km
#6 Fricke/Cuneo, 33 mi. SW of Amarillo, TX, 256 mi/412 km
#13 Sullivan/White, LANDED 24 mi. E of Clovis, NM, 243 mi/391 km
#14 MacNutt/Critelli, LANDED 5 mi. SE of Clovis, NM, 215 mi/347 km
#9 Parks/Cayton, LANDED 12 mi. NW of Clovis, NM, 209 mi/336 km
#4 Abruzzo/Rymer-Davis, 65 mi. NW of Amarillo, TX, 208 mi/334 km
#7 Hale/Devaney, LANDED 18 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 208 mi/334 km
#12 Boylan/McCluskey, LANDED 5 mi. NW of Portales, NM, 204 mi/328 km
#8 Levin/Levin, LANDED 30 mi. N of Clovis, NM, 200 mi/322 km
#5 Kugler/Sheeshe, LANDED 30 mi. SW of Clovis, NM, 184 mi/296 km
#1 Petrhen/Sabin, LANDED 5 mi. SW of Logan, NM, 175 mi/282 km
#10 Gerhardt/Muller, LANDED 15 mi. NE of Roswell, NM, 169 mi/272 km
#11 Robinson/Martin, LANDED 50 miles N of Roswell, NM, 143 mi/230 km
#3 Donnelly/Forse, LANDED 4 mi. S of Santa Rosa, NM, 133 mi/214 km
Source: Kathie Leyendecker, Balloon Fiesta Director of Media and Community Relations (505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874
