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Reno Air Racing Association Faces Uncertain Future

Organization looking to raise $500,000 by year end RENO, Nev. (November 13, 2020) – After the heartache of canceling the 2020 National Championship Air Races due to COVID-19 the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is determined to bring the world’s fastest motorsport back to the high desert of Northern Nevada in 2021, but it won’t be possible without additional support. RARA, a charitable 501(c)3, is asking for help by launching a fundraising campaign to “Save The Races” with the goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year. “Canceling was not a decision that was made lightly, and the…

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Saturday’s Jet Flyby Postponed

STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class will reschedule RENO, Nev. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Due to thick smoke blanketing the Reno-Tahoe area Saturday’s Jet Class flyby has been postponed to a later date. “Many members of our team are from out of the area and are unable to fly in due to the smoke, that coupled with the potential that the smoke may still be here Saturday has forced us  to postpone the flyby,” said Jeff Turney, Jet Class past President and founding member of jet racing at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. “Our team is still determined…

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Jet Flyby Planned for Sept. 19

STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class Plan Flyby in Reno, Sparks and Carson City RENO, Nev. (Sept. 10, 2020) – In any other year, members of the Jet Class would be racing, head-to-head around the pylons at Reno-Stead Airport. And while the races were canceled this year due to COVID-19 concerns, members of the Jet Class are gathering for a flyby as a nod to the local community and their “September family.” “This has been a tough year and even though the races are cancelled we wanted to find a way to let the community know we were thinking…

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2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races Canceled

Reno Air Racing Association Sets Sights on 2021 Event  RENO, Nev. (June 26, 2020)– The Reno Air Racing Association has announced the cancellation of the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races originally scheduled for Sept. 16–20.  The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors reiterated their principal concern for the safety and health of all involved and in light of continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and government-imposed restrictions for large scale events has decided to turn all efforts to 2021.  “This decision was not made lightly. It’s difficult to capture the sadness we feel for our September Family who we…

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June 9, 2020 – Event Update

An update from the Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors and its Chairman Like you, we have been closely monitoring the developments around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We first want to thank all of the essential workers who have sustained our communities throughout this pandemic and send a huge thank you to the medical professionals who are on the frontlines of this virus every day. We are pleased to see communities slowly coming back to life in as safe a manner as possible while getting people back to work and allowing businesses to reopen. None the less, the extraordinary…

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Reno Air Racing Association Reschedules Pylon Racing Seminar for September

RENO, Nev. (April 17, 2020) – The annual “Rookie School” for the STIHL National Championship Air Races has been rescheduled for Sept. 9–12, 2020. The Reno Air Racing Association’s Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) was previously scheduled for June 10–13. “Notwithstanding the initial signs of progress in the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that the safety and health of our racers, their crews, our volunteers and staff are paramount and that rescheduling these training and recurrent practice sessions to September is in everyone’s best interests,” said Fred Telling, CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association.  “The uncertainty surrounding the safety of…

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COMMITTED TO YOUR SAFETY

A message to our Air Racing community. Like you, we’re closely following the developments around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We’ve seen many events canceled and businesses closed in an effort to keep our communities safe. We’re grateful for all of the medical professionals and first responders who are working non-stop during this unprecedented time, and are optimistic that these efforts will help see us through this difficult challenge. We are closely monitoring the pandemic, and are exploring every option to put on a safe event. As of April 14 we are cautiously optimistic that we will be having the event in September…

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F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Coming to 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races

RENO, Nev. (February 5, 2020) —For the first time ever the country’s newest fighter jet will take to the Reno, Nev. skies at the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races. Fans will see America’s Airmen display the skill, capabilities and technology of the F-35A Lightning II. The one-of-a-kind event returns Sept. 16–20, 2020 with head-to-head air racing, civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food, drink and plenty of vendors to peruse.  “Fans are in for a real treat this year. We are thrilled to feature the full demonstration of the F-35,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA Chief Operating Officer….

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Reno Air Racing Association Wins Top Industry Award

International Council of Air Shows recognizes event for PR and Social Media RENO, Nev. (January 14, 2020) —The Reno Air Racing Association, the governing body of the STIHL National Championship Air Races, was recently honored at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas. The organization won a gold Pinnacle award for 2019 public relations and social media in the Large Civilian Air Show category. “To be recognized by our peers for the progress the team made during the last year is a distinct honor,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer for the Reno Air Racing Association….

Air Race News

Making it look easy: Eric Zine’s great strides

For someone who took his first flying lesson just 11 years ago, Eric Zine has come far in the aviation world in a short time. The “Yellow Fever” biplane pilot and Southern California resident is fresh off another year of racing at the STIHL National Championship Air Races where he took fifth place in Friday’s Heat 3A before Sunday’s Gold race was canceled due to high winds. One Six Right Still, the future is looking bright for Zine, who literally discovered flying by Googling “learn to fly.” After a quick Internet search, lo and behold, his local airport turned out…