Hot air balloon 'Last Lap' pays tribute to legendary NASCAR drivers
Deb and Ron Nollen of Merton are not only hot air balloonists but also NASCAR enthusiasts.
Hot air balloon 'Last Lap' pays tribute to legendary NASCAR drivers Deb and Ron Nollen of Merton are not only hot air balloonists but also NASCAR enthusiasts. Check out this story on jsonline.com: https://jsonl.in/2pYAwWY
Karen Pilarski, Now News Group Published 8:00 a.m. CT April 2, 2018 | Updated 10:36 a.m. CT April 2, 2018
Deb and Ron Nollen of the village of Merton are not only hot air balloon enthusiasts but also NASCAR enthusiasts. Their hot air balloon, "Last Lap," is a tribute to legendary NASCAR drivers.(Photo: Submitted)
Deb and Ron Nollen of the village of Merton are not only hot air balloonists but also NASCAR enthusiasts.
This racing passion is on full display in the skies with their hot air balloon.
The Nollen family developed this strong interest in NASCAR while living in Florida for five years and attended many races. The past two hot air balloons were the standard patterns. But in 2000, the couple designed their own balloon with a NASCAR theme.
"It is unique and there is nothing like it," she said.
They call their balloon "Last Lap" and gives a tribute to legendary NASCAR drivers. The drivers' names, racing number, and birth and death dates are displayed on the balloon. Ron's favorite driver was Davey Allison, who died in 1993.
"You can't be in the sport of racing and not respect Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Alan Kulwicki," Deb said. "They are on the balloon."
The balloon also names Adam Petty, Neil Bonnett and Kenny Irwin.
The Nollens follow current racers too, like Joey Gase, one of their current favorites.
"He is from Iowa near where we grew up," Deb said. "We were excited to give him a balloon ride a couple years ago and have enjoyed visiting him at the track and watching him as he races."
"Last Lap" floats above other balloons at the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa. (Photo: Submitted)
Looking out into the world
Lake Country is popular for hot air balloons.
"It is a beautiful area to fly," Deb said. "You can fly over a lake and big open spaces away from airports."
The couple has been married for 36 years and flying for 31 years. Ron is a Federal Aviation Administration certified pilot. While some people fly hot air balloons as a job, Deb said they do it for fun.
Ron and Deb Nollen at their home on Monday, March 5, 2018. (Photo: Scott Ash/Now News Group)
Ironically, Ron is afraid of heights. The chances of catching him on a Ferris wheel are pretty slim.
Deb said that being in a hot air balloon is not like being on a Ferris wheel. In a hot air balloon, it is like walking up a high hill and looking out. It's more like floating than flying.
As a pilot, Ron just thinks about the flight (controlling the balloon). Deb said when you are in the air you are looking out, not down. She described that it's like looking out the second story window of a home. You enjoy the view, not how far off the ground you are.
Ron Nollen of the village of Merton is a hot air balloon pilot, his wife Deb Nollen is a crew chief. Their balloon is "Last Lap" is a loving tribute to legendary NASCAR drivers. (Photo: Submitted)
"We have taken up many people who are afraid of heights and once up they enjoy it very much because they realize it is nothing like they expected," Deb said.
Their interest in hot air balloons started when Deb's co-worker asked the Nollens to be on his crew. After helping with a competitive event, Deb and Ron fell in love with the races.
There are many different competitive events, including the National Balloon Classic, which is in Iowa, and the nearby Waterford Balloonfest.
Hot air balloon races don't judge speed. In balloon races, pilots are scored on how close they can get to a target. The pilot is given coordinates for a target, and they drop small bean bag-type markers onto the target. Whoever is closest, wins.
Up, up and away
Deb contrasted being in a hot air balloon to what's seen in the "Wizard of Oz" or other romantic comedies.
"You never see the pilot, just the two lovers getting into a basket," Deb said. "The balloon then slowly lifts off into the air and miraculously floats away."
There needs to be a pilot to burn the propane in order to create the heat that makes the balloon lift.
"Just a person saying 'let's go' doesn't actually make the balloon go up into the air," she said.
When you have a balloon standing up with the envelope fully inflated, a crew is needed to hang onto the basket to make sure it doesn't lift off the ground before you are ready.
Deb doesn't fly in the hot air balloon with her husband. Her job as crew chief is to stay on the ground. She follows along with the balloon to make sure she is ready once he lands. Their daughter and son-in-law are also on the crew.
Hot air balloons fly year-round. The biggest challenge is not the cold. In fact, less fuel is needed during the winter. It is important to fly when there is not too much wind and not to fly when a storm is approaching, Deb said. She added a balloonist has to be careful where to land because the crew has to go get the balloon.
Once when she flew with Ron, they got into some high winds while in the air.
"We were really booking across quickly," she said. "We had to find a place to land and found a big field with cattle in it. We nearly landed face first into cattle doo-doo."
Despite the near miss from cow pies, the couple cherishes the time spent flying in "Last Lap."
"Every flight is different so it is always a new experience," Deb said. "Ron especially enjoys taking up someone who has never flown before. With a first-time rider, you are sharing something you enjoy with them."
Top Headlines Around the Community:
A noose was found hanging in front of an Asian family's Brookfield home, police say
Emergency surgery didn't stop a terminally ill Hartland girl from throwing the first pitch at a baseball game
Doctors said she'd never be an athlete again after an ankle injury. Now, she's a professional mermaid. (Subscriber exclusive)
FOLLOW JS COMMUNITIES: Newsletter | Twitter | Instagram
Now's top photos from March 2018
Jeremiah Mack, 3, and his sister D'Saundra, 4, of Milwaukee enjoy lunch at The Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli in West Allis on Saturday, March 3, 2018. The shop offers delicious sandwiches along with serving peanut, almond and cashew butters ground daily and about 100 jams, jellies and spreads on a variety of breads, including gluten-free. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Kettle Moraine senior Jack Chard (center) fires up the student section during the WIAA Division 1 Sectional final against Sussex Hamilton at Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Riverside Elementary School PTO Co-Charis Nicole Robins (left) and April VanBuren had oversized masks of Principal Scott Walter made for a March 21 all-school assembly to announce that he was named Wisconsin's Principal of the Year from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Members of the community from the Waukesha School District hold up signs during a gathering in Cutler Park to show support for students participating in the National School Walkout. Scott Ash/Now Media Group
Educational Coordinator & Wildlife Rehabilitator Alex Schlecht introduces "Sova", a Barred Owl, during the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) annual Pancake Breakfast at the Dousman/Ottawa Lions Club on Sunday, March 18, 2018. The fundraiser features great food, raffles, an opportunity to see their live educational ambassadors and much more. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Mila Cornehls is not to sure about being photographed with the Easter Bunny during a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Greenfield Community Center on March 24. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker rides a convertable along Dousman's Main Street during a March 24 parade in her honor. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Kayleigh Morris (left), 2, Skyler Morris, 3, and Landon Sudfeld, 5, all of Pewaukee, visit with the Easter Bunny at Center Court in Brookfield Square Mall on Monday, March 19, 2018. The bunny will be at the mall Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm through Saturday, March 31. Pets are welcome to visit from 6-9pm on Monday, March 12, 19 & 26. Scott Ash/Now News Group
West Allis Nathan Hale senior Abby Arena (20) flips a loose ball to a teammate during the WIAA Division 1 sectional game against Oak Creek in Waukesha on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Cal Curran leads a chant during Shorewood High School students' 17-minute walkout on Wednesday. C.T. Kruger / Now News Group
Oak Creek head coach Steve Hluchnik reacts to a call during the WIAA Division 1 sectional final against Rufus King at West Allis Central on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Miles Chatfield readies to fire a marshmallow Peep during a STEAM activity at the Brown Deer Library on March 28. Youth built catapults to fire at towers of cups during the event. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Volunteer Maddie Schepp, 12, and three-year-old Landon Sun, both of Greendale, get creative in the craft room during the Special Friends Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Southbrook Church in Franklin on Sunday, March 18, 2018. The event, designed for children with special needs along with their families and friends, is a free Easter celebration with activities, games, crafts and an Easter egg hunt. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Sussex Hamilton freshman Patrick Baldwin, Jr. hoists the championship plaque after Hamilton defeated Kettle Moraine 63-46 in the WIAA Division 1 Sectional final at Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Brookfield East's Patrick Cartier hoists a WIAA Division 1 Sectional plaque above his head following the Spartans' 81-63 win over Racine Park at West Allis Central High School on March 10. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Joann Grasser fixes the headband of Wendy Gebauer at the two ready to model 1960s fashions during a Goodwill fashion show of women's clothing and accessories from the early 1900s through 1990s at the Greendale Library on March 28. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Franklin's Henry Lopez deflects a shot by Kett;e Moraine's Carson Witzer at Franklin on March 28. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Honey Fua of Oconomowoc tries to coax a smile from her nine-month-old daughter during a visit with the Easter Bunny at Center Court in Brookfield Square Mall on Monday, March 19, 2018. The bunny will be at the mall Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm through Saturday, March 31. Pets are welcome to visit from 6-9pm on Monday, March 12, 19 & 26. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Keira Daugherty tries to retrieve her hat from family friend Mike Ortloff during a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Greenfield Community Center on March 24. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Jackie Luetke of Hartland introduces her two-year-old daughter Lilyana to the Easter Bunny during the Menomonee Falls Downtown Easter Egg Hunt at Village Park on Friday, March 30, 2018. The annual event is hosted by the Knights of Columbus with assistance from volunteers at the Menomonee Falls Senior Center. Scott Ash/Now News Group
A contractor separates rubber roofing from debris from the demolition of the north end of the Port Harbor Center in Port Wahington on March 27. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Brookfield Central's Amy Keane competes in the 55-meter hurdles during the Bulldog Invitational meet at West Allis Central on March 23. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Violette Anderson keeps warn and festive at the Town of Lisbon's Easter Eggstravaganza at its Community Park on March 24. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
With 0.2 seconds left in the game, Puis XI in the free throw lane, and New Berlin Eisenhower leading by just two points, the Lion's bench reacts to the moment during WIAA Division 2 sectional final play at Brown Deer on March 3. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Oak Creek senior Haley Zylka (1) strips the ball from West Allis Nathan Hale's Abi Stevens (25) on her way to the hoop during the WIAA Division 1 sectional game at Waukesha South on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Sussex Hamilton senior Jack Linzmeyer (center) fires up the student section during the WIAA Division 1 Sectional final against Kettle Moraine at Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Abbie Smith fields questions about the Port Washington PiraTech team's pit area during the FIRST Robotics regional competition at Milwaukee's Panther Arena on March 23. After the first day of competition, PiraTech was ranked 41st of 55 teams. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Gregg Thatcher of Cudahy tries out a driver at the Greater Milwaukee Golf Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park on March 16. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Emergency personnel responded to a rollover accident involving two vehicles at Capital Drive and Cecelia Drive in Pewaukee at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018. No other information available at this time. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Heather Lewin and Jeff Ksiazek of áthas perfomed traditional and new Irish dance music at the Greenfield Library on March 7. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Marcus Mueller, 12, trains on a homemade Luge cart and track to practice pull starts and paddling in the basement of his Brookfield home. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Pewaukee's Jack Marks is fouled enroute to the basket against Whitnall in WIAA Division 2 semifinal play at New Berlin West on March 8 with Pewaukee winning 60-59. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Lori Kazaks of Elm Grove fits a helmet to her son Hans, 5, as he is one of 33 children at a Try Hockey for Free event at the Eble Ice Arena in Brookfield hosted by the Waukesha Warhawks Youth Hockey Association on March 3. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Kettle Moraine keeper Emma Wawrzyniak (99) makes the save after colliding with Germantown's Alexa Proft on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Germantown sophomore Jaime Mohs (15) heads the ball upfield during the game at Kettle Moraine on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Muskego's Wesley Kwapick fires for two points against West Allis Central's Jacob Fierst in WIAA Division 1 regional play at Central on March 2. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Arrowhead's Caitlyn Harper drives past Waukesha South's Anne Johnson to the basket during WIAA Division 1 sectional play at Brown Deer on March 1. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Erik Giese of the Arrowhead High School Muffin Tanks FIRST Robotics team makes a repair to a Lego Mindstorm robot during Friendship Circle of Wisconsin's Purim in the Future! event at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside on Feb. 28. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Four-year-old Mason Belter of Hartland chases down a puck during the Try Hockey For Free Day at the Howard G. Mullett Ice Center in Hartland on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Mason demanded to wear his dad's high school jersey even though it was a little too big. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Senior Haley Zylka (1) cuts down a piece of the net after Oak Creek's 66-57 victory over Rufus King in the WIAA Division 1 sectional championship game at West Allis Central on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
The 38th annual Town of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade rumbles down Highway K on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Lella Rose, 9, of West Allis tries "egg bowling" during the Special Friends Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Southbrook Church in Franklin on Sunday, March 18, 2018. The event, designed for children with special needs along with their families and friends, is a free Easter celebration with activities, games, crafts and an Easter egg hunt. Scott Ash/Now News Group
The Lake Country School students hold up signs to show their appreciation during a surprise assembly for janitor Doc Stadler on Monday, March 19, 2018. Stadler, who's been with the school for 34 years, has been named a top 10 finalist in the nationwide ÒJanitor of the YearÓ contest. The contest aims to honor and recognize those who truly rule the school Ð the hardworking janitors. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the school will receive $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial products. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Pewaukee junior Emma George (8) traps a pass during the game at home against Oconomowoc on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Lake Country Fire and Rescue first responders wheel out a mock patient during a training exercise at Prairie Elementary School in Waukesha on Sunday, March 4, 2018. The mass casualty exercise, conducted by the 135th Medical Company Wisconsin Army National Guard in Waukesha, provides an opportunity for Army Medics to build partnerships and conduct medical training alongside local first responders. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Four-year-old Emma Schneider of Hartland takes part in the Kinderblick Snow Sports class for youngsters at Ausblick Ski Hill in Sussex on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Tiffany Wanner of Sussex and her son Brady, 2, take a selfie with a Lisbon fire truck during Spring Fest 2018 hosted by the Sussex Area Chamber of Commerce at Hamilton High School on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Pewaukee senior Azia Riche (11) takes a shot on goal during the game at home against Oconomowoc on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Bob Koos of Kenosha snaps a photo during the Mukwonago Crazy Quilters 31st Annual Quilt Show at Park View Middle School on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Representatives from Bubs Irish Pub in Germantown cruise past in a motorized bath tub during the 38th annual Town of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Volunteer Nick Hayden of Oconomowoc packs specially formulated meals for malnourished children during a packing session hosted by the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children at Oakwood Church in Hartland on Saturday, March 10, 2018. The organization delivered over 330 million meals to 70 different countries last year. Scott Ash/Now News Group
U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Trevor deBoer of Hartland is greeted by a large crowd during a surprise welcome home celebration hosted by the Hartland Fire Department on Friday, March 9, 2018. Master Sgt. deBoer, a two-time Bronze Star recipient, is returning from a ten month deployment in Lebanon. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Kettle Moraine senior Nick Vinopal (2) gets swarmed by Sussex Hamilton players during the WIAA Division 1 Sectional final at Oconomowoc on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Oconomowoc senior Karolynn Kunz (14) grabs a header during the game at Pewaukee on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Alder Planted Fresh Salmon with roasted red potatoes and French green beans is a popular item at the Red Circle Inn. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Zilli Hospitality Group of Waukesha offered delicious Savory Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato appetizers during The Tastes of Hales Corners: Wine & Beer Tasting event hosted by the Hales Corners Public Library on Thursday, March 1, 2018. The event featured beer, wine and food from various area restaurants with all proceeds supporting the library's summer reading programs. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Members of the community from the Waukesha School District gather in Cutler Park to show support for students participating in the National School Walkout. Scott Ash/Now Media Group
Vice President/Brew Master Brandon Van Epps taps a beer during Melms Tap Room grand opening in Hartland on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Melms Brewing Company is the rebirth of Milwaukee's original C.T. Melms Brewery founded in 1854. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Four-year-old Sawyer Thomas of North Prairie dyes an egg during the North Prairie Easter Egg Hunt at Veteran's Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Adeline Roettgen gets her basket ready for an Easter egg hunt that weather forced inside at St. Matthew Catholic Church and School on March 31. C.T. Kruger/Now Media Group
Arrowhead shortstop Sarah Martinez (6) throws to first during the game at home against New Berlin West on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
New Berlin West's Hannah Johnson (5) warms up during the game at Arrowhead on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Mkayla Schmitz, 11, blows on maple syrup hot from the finishing cooker as four generations of the Schmitz family collects maple sap from four area woodlots to cook down into maple syrup. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Cedarburg sophomore Emily Van Ermen (20) grabs a header during the game at Waukesha West on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Cedarburg junior Selena Esten (2) battles Waukesha West's Olivia Hanke (5) during the game at Waukesha West on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Cedarburg senior Mari Rigert (left) and Waukesha West's Taylor wiegert (7) battle for possession during the game at Waukesha West on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Scott Ash/Now News Group
Gov. Scott Walker is the keynote speaker for the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce's Government Update Luncheon Tuesday, March 27, at the Milwaukee Marriott West Hotel. Walker cited a record unemployment rate in Wisconsin. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Myron Dorshak competes in a ping pong tournament that drew 16 players at the Elite Sports Club-Brookfield on March 24. C.T. Kruger/Now News Group
Mandi Andrews takes a bunch of orange carnations out for delivery to Greenfield High School classrooms on Wednesday. Students sold orange carnations before the start of classes. Proceeds will be sent to the victims of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting. C.T. Kruger / Now News Group
The Shorewood High School 17-minute walkout was attended by about 100 adults in support of the students. C.T. Kruger / Now News Group
Read or Share this story: https://jsonl.in/2pYAwWY
Modern supper club with local food, drinks opens in Port Washington
Police find noose hanging in front of an Asian family's home
Man pleads guilty in death of ex-girlfriend and her unborn child
Doughnut shop plans to open in Whitefish Bay
Schobert returns to Waukesha West to hold second annual football camp
Boy who nearly drowned at pool was left unattended before, police say