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Joey Strutz
Joey Strutz
Pilot - Team USA
I started training for certificate at 14 and obtained my private certificate in 2018 at age 18. I absolutely love the competition side of flying and have done that more regularly since 2022 or so.
At 26, this will be my first international event and my first world championship. I am also a graphic designer for Cameron Balloons U.S. in Dexter, MI.
Brad Hosmer
Brad Hosmer
Crew Chief
Brad is from Oak Creek, WI, and has been a private pilot since 2020. He began flying competitively in 2025. Crewed at the 2012 Worlds in Battle Creek, MI for Team Mexico & Odin Aragon. He will be the crew chief and giving wind readings throughout the week.
Natalie Banasiak
Natalie Banasiak
Navigator
Natalie is from Grand Blanc, MI and has been involved in ballooning for almost 3 years. She is Joey’s girlfriend and crews for him throughout the year. She will be the primary navigator throughout the week.
Jeff Rulason
Jeff Rulason
Driver
Jeff is from Fowlerville, MI and has been involved in the sport of ballooning for almost 20 years. He crewed at the 2012 Worlds in Battle Creek, MI for Team South Africa & Danie Minnaar. He will be the primary driver throughout the week.
The Balloon
The Balloon
Wild Card is a Cameron XT-65, with a volume of 65,000 cubic feet.
The basket is a Cameron 42" x 50" Sport Basket.
The burners are Cameron Mark IV Super Double burners.
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