If it feels like a while since the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have soared high above Reno, it’s not just your imagination. After an absence of almost a decade, this famed precision drill team is slated to return for a pair of shows during the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races to the delight of fans of all ages. Featuring eight pilots and a staggering 130 support personnel, the Las Vegas-based Thunderbirds will take to their F-16 Fighting Falcons to perform impressive formation flying, daring solo routines and a display of capabilities that push the limits of both…
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What Makes the Reno Air Races a Family Event
These days, it’s getting harder and harder to find events that truly appeal to each member of the family. Events seem to operate at the extremes, appealing either to young children or parents, but rarely meeting in the middle. Good news: the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races ticks all the boxes for family fun. From the STEM Education Discovery Zone to the thrill of the Thunderbirds to STOL air racing and static, hands-on displays, this event literally has something for everyone. In the end, each member of the family will leave the STIHL National Championship Air Races begging to…
Racers Announced for STIHL National Championship Air Races
Reno, Nev. (Aug. 22, 2019) –This September 11–15 the high desert north of Reno will be home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots and crews for the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. The event boasts the fastest motorsport in the world with six race classes going head-to-head at speeds often exceeding 500 mph, as well as demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational featuring some of the country’s premier vintage aircraft. New this year are the STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations a combination of heart-pounding head-to-head racing, major horsepower and a little dirt….
The Wonder of Flight
Celebrate National Aviation Day on August 19 National Aviation Day is the perfect time to get your tickets to the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races on September 11-15. We’re celebrating with a $10 off flash sale on online tickets until midnight! Use code “ADAY” at checkout to receive $10 off your tickets. Every day, millions of people fly in and out of airports to get to their destinations. But one day a year – on August 19 – the nation takes the time to honor the people who made aviation possible with National Aviation Day. National Aviation Day was…
Method Seven: Proud Sponsor of the Reno Air Races
Optics manufacturer Method Seven is partnering with the Reno Air Races Association (RARA) as an official sponsor of the event. “The Reno Air Races is the ultimate in aviation performance—the racing, the skill, the danger—and it seemed like the best fit for our product,” says James Cox, Method Seven CEO. Kevin Eldredge, who will compete in the Sport Class at this year’s event, facilitated the partnership. “The product is fantastic, but the quality and focus on technology is very consistent with the innovation specifically in the Sport Class,” says Eldredge. His race plane, Relentless NXT, is one of the fastest…
Preparing for Greatness
Pylon Racing Seminar 2019 It’s a road you won’t find on any map. A road that stretches from one corner of the globe to the other. That reaches back into our past and extends well into our future. A road marked by countless hours of transforming a passion into a profession. It’s the road to the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Every June, the top pilots from around the world gather at Stead Airport for the annual Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS). This year marked the 22nd year of the event commonly referred to as “Rookie School.” But don’t let the…
Preview of National Aviation Heritage Invitational Neil A. Armstrong Print Released
Meet with some of the featured aviation legends at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15, 2019 RENO, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2019) —The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) is thrilled to return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev. this September. Come see skillfully restored vintage aircraft on the ramp as they compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy and meet some of aviation’s legends in person. In addition to featuring incredible vintage aircraft NAHI will continue its mission to keep aviation history alive with the release of limited-edition prints created by…
STIHL National Championship Air Races Announces Final Performance Lineup
RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —As if featuring the world’s fastest motorsport wasn’t enough the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races will feature a jam-packed performance schedule filled with new additions and some returning event staples. The core of the event is the six racing classes – Unlimited, Jet, Sport, T-6, Formula One and Biplane – competing head-to-head at speeds exceeding 500 mph. With some incredible racing planned, event veterans will also see the return of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational and GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone. The performance lineup has been finalized: STOL Drag Racing Demonstration – September 12–15The world’s largest…
STOL Drag Racing to Make Debut in Reno
This year’s demonstration may lead to first new racing class in more than 20 years RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —Combine heart pounding head-to-head racing with major horsepower and a little dirt and you’ve got the STOL Drag Racing Demonstration. Set to make its debut at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15 in Reno, Nev., organizers hope this year’s demonstration becomes a brand-new racing class in the future. “It’s like car drag racing meets aviation and it’s going to bring a whole new energy to the races in September,” said Kevin Quinn, president and founder of STOL Drag….
NAHI Restoration and Judging
It takes a lot of dedication, hours and sweat to bring something almost 50 years old back to life. Take an aircraft from days gone by-perhaps a military fighter, a large transport, a classic or antique, even a medi-vac helicopter sitting in a barn or hangar. Someone comes along and wants to revitalize it, study its history, whether it’s destined for static display or to take to the skies. This is where the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) comes in. This prestigious competition features aircraft that are in original flying condition on static display on the ramp at the National…