Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 October 1911 — BALLOON RAGES START [ARTICLE]

BALLOON RAGES START

United States, France and Germany Represented. Great Gasbags Float Up and Away from Kansas City in National and International Contests. Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 6.—Two balloon races, one international and the other national in character, were started from here late in the day The contest for the James Gordon Eennett trophy brought together six giant racing craft—one French, two German and three American. Six American balloons, the three wiiich entered the Bennett race and three others, fly for the Lahm cup. Interest centered in the Bennett race or. account of its international character. Then, too, there is a good chance that America will come into permanent possession of the trophy this year. By the rules of the contest the trophy becomes the property of the first club that wins it three times successively Representatives of the Aero Club of America have won the last two contests. The last balloon to start in the Bennett race was the Buckeye, piloted by Lieutenant Frank P. Lahm. The contest for the Lahm cup is a distance event for Americans only. This cup is passed on as a balloonist sets a new record. It is now in the possession of Allan R. Hawley. No cash prizes other than those regularly offered in connection with the Bennett race are at stake in these events. The Bennett prizes are; First, $1,500; second, SI,OOO, and third, SSOO.