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Air Race News

Grant Korgan Shares U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Flight Experience

Grant Korgan is a world-class adventurer, nano-mechanics professional, and husband. On March 5, 2010, while filming a snowmobiling segment in the Sierra Nevada backcountry, the Lake Tahoe native burst-fractured his L1 vertebrae, and suddenly added the world of spinal cord injury recovery to his list of pursuits. Doctors told him he wouldn’t walk again. But he and his wife of four months, Shawna, didn’t accept that. That had hope and they made a plan. Within five months his injury, he was standing with the help of leg braces. On June 12, 2019, Grant achieved a lifelong dream and became a…

Air Race News

Catching up with Kevin Quinn after a Successful 2019

Kevin Quinn is a very busy man these days. Part bush pilot, part heli-ski guide, part flight instructor and part event organizer, this Truckee, Calif.-based aviation nut is wrapping up one of his busiest — and most successful — years ever. Despite all this, he still has time to extol the virtues of general aviation to aspiring pilots everywhere. And that’s thanks in part to his participation in the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races. His message to young pilots is simple.  “Anyone can come out and fly with us and learn in the off-airport environment,” Quinn says of his Truckee-based High…

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Sue Gardner Joins RARA Board

RENO, Nev. (October 14, 2019) —Longtime Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Event Specialist, Sue Gardner, has been elected to the Reno Air Racing Association board of directors. Gardner served as the FAA’s national aviation events specialist from 2000 to 2005, and again from 2013 to her retirement in 2018. Over the years, she worked diligently to improve the FAA’s overall role in aviation events. “Sue has been essential in helping us create a thriving and safe event for all of our pilots, fans and volunteers,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We…

Air Race News

STOL Drag Racing Added as New Racing Class for 2020 Event

From the heart-pounding excitement of head-to-head racing to the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to the amazing on-the-ground demonstrations, the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races proved to be another successful year for the world’s fastest motorsport.  One of the highlights of the world-class event was the debut of the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) drag racing demonstrations. The new event was well-received by the crowds in the grandstands as they watched the two planes battle it out in each heat. Based on the positive response, STOL will be officially added as a new class at the 2020 STIHL National…

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National Aviation Heritage Invitational Announces 2019 Awards to Restored Aircraft Recipient of the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy

National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees joined presenting sponsor Perform Air International in awarding the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong National Aviation Heritage Trophy to the: 1931 WACO QCF – Owned by Chris Galloway of Woodland, California Winners in other categories: CLASSIC:  Paul E. Garber trophy:  1952 Cessna 195 owned by Bela Havasreti of Kent, Washington ANTIQUE:  Orville and Wilbur Wright trophy: 1936 Stinson SR-8B – owned by David Lunsford of Bayfield, Colorado MILITARY:  Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold trophy: 1945 Piper L4J – owned by Ken Schmitt of Springfield, Oregon. LARGE:      Herb Kelleher trophy: 1939 Grumman Goose – owned by Gary…

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STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – GOLD RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 15, 2019) — The final day of race week began with the Welcoming Ceremonies, where the Reno Air Racing Association recognized Pete Law as the Person of the Year, the highest honor of the organization. In his six decades with the National Championship Air Races, “Secret Pete” worked with nearly every Unlimited Gold racer to fly the pylon course and is credited with being the humble yet brilliant man who helped make Unlimited Air Racing faster, safer and the most exciting racing spectacle in history. As they have for the last several years, RARA also recognized the Tuskegee…

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STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – SATURDAY RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2019) — The STIHL National Championship Air Races continued on Saturday with exhilarating racing, incredible demonstrations, heart-thumping performances and heart-warming remembrances. Today was Herb Kelleher day and the legendary founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines was recognized for changing the course of aviation history by bringing affordable, friendly service to the airways. Sue Gardner was also recognized as the 2019 Chairman’s Award recipient. Her tireless work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and continuous advocacy for safe aviation events throughout the United States made her a clear choice for this year’s award. All six classes…

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STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – FRIDAY RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 13, 2019) — Today, was Military Appreciation Day at the STIHL National Championship Air Races where active duty and veteran military members received free admission and Reno Air Racing Association staff passed out special pins to Vietnam veterans who were in attendance. General Jeannie M. Leavitt of the United States Air Force (USAF) performed a swearing in ceremony for cadets who took an oath for enlistment in the USAF. Gen. Leavitt was the first female fighter pilot and the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. There was an abundance of pride, patriotism and precision…

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STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – THURSDAY RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 12, 2019) — The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races are officially underway with the first full day of racing complete. In addition to the heart-thumping racing, fans saw performances by Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight. It was also Education Day at the National Championship Air Races. More than 2,500 students were able to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Discovery Education Zone. Fans and students roamed through the pits speaking with pilots and checking out the amazing aircraft up close in the National Aviation Heritage…

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STIHL National Championship Air Races Attractions and Events

RENO, Nev. (September 9, 2019) – The fastest motorsport in the world returns to the STIHL National Championship Air Races with family-fun including hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone and a “flying museum” at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone The STEM Education Discovery Zone teaches children about aviation through hands-on projects and displays led by GRADD-NVBAA’s team of engineers, scientists and educators. This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, robotics including a robotic hydraulic arm, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State…