TransAtlantic Balloon Race Background

When the first transatlantic race for manned balloons took place over a period of six days in September 1992 it created enormous media interest for its sponsor, the motoring giant Chrysler. The world-wide news agency, Associated Press (AP), reported that for two days stories about the event were the most requested on its wire service - and this was despite a devaluation of the UK currency on launch day, and a vote by the French government on their continuing membership of the European Union while the race was underway!

Chrysler well deserved the publicity they received having had the foresight and bravery to back what, at first glance, must have appeared a somewhat speculative venture. Prior to the Chrysler Transatlantic Challenge taking place, only five balloons in total had crossed the ocean: 15 others failed. With five balloons entered in the race, the organisers were seeking to double the number of completed crossings and invent a new sport - oceanic balloon racing.

The success of their endeavours and the quality of the race organisation can be judged from the results: three balloons completed the crossing; two landed safely in the sea (but these 'dramas' only added to the media coverage); the USA team made the first balloon flight from North America to North Africa; a new world record was set for the longest ever flight by a manned unpowered aircraft and many national records were broken. Positive stories were carried by television, radio and print media all the way around the world during the entire six days of the race.

Entrants in this inaugural event had been invited to participate by the race organisers in consultation with Chrysler, the sole sponsor. The two-man teams represented the USA, Great Britain, Holland, Germany and Belgium - all prime or expanding key markets for the US car

Start of 1992 Atlantic Race

manufacturer. Each team had to bring ballooning experience and national public relations benefits to the event.

Starting point was Bangor, Maine, USA - chosen for its geographical position in relation to the expected Atlantic wind patterns and the ability to provide the infrastructure demanded by an event of this size and importance.

The finishing post was the first hard surfaced road in mainland Europe or Great Britain; a long finishing line made necessary by the vagaries of the oceanic winds that in 1992 separated the balloons in flight to produce landfalls in three different countries - a media bonus that few other sports can offer!

The overwhelming success of the race from the promotional point of view is perhaps best summed-up by a spokesman for one of Chrysler's major European distributors:

"We didn't just sponsor a sport; we also sponsored an art form. What other sport has entrants that move with such grace, majesty and silence yet provide a 90 feet (28 metre) high billboard that cameramen and photographers just can't resist? The only thing that isn't big about balloon racing - considering the promotional return - is the price tag!"