Five Balloons Prepare

This image was published in the Indianapolis News on June 5, 1909 the day of the national balloon championship hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It shows five of the "air racers" from the field of balloons set for competition that day in both the national championship and the handicap race.
 
The caption to the photo read:
 
From left to right - The St. Louis, New York, Cleveland, Ohio and Indianapolis.
 
Check out these other images of the field of balloons on race morning:

• Balloons on the Go!
• Balloons Field
• Balloons in Infield