BRIEF

The Reno Air Racing Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with donations being tax deductible. Our mission is to produce a first-class air racing and air show event that celebrates and perpetuates the world’s fastest motorsport. Fueled by decades of success, we’re committed to delivering a safe, entertaining and exhilarating experience for fans while also honoring our military, inspiring our youth and strengthening our community, economy and culture.

The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors, a small full-time staff and hundreds of volunteers work together to preserve this unique event. Staff members handle the thousands of details needed year-after-year, planning for the next event before the current one is completed. More than 1,200 volunteers serve in capacities ranging from course safety and security to event sequencing and air traffic control to race timing and scoring.

RENO AIR RACING HISTORY

The National Championship Air Races is the last event of its kind, carrying on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. In 1964, Bill Stead organized an air race near Reno, Nevada, and the Reno National Championship Air Races were born. The event that Bill Stead started in the Nevada desert more than 50 years ago is still going strong. The event has only been canceled twice; once in September of 2001 when all aircraft in the United States were grounded following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The second was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Held every September just north of Reno, the National Championship Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. For one week, the high desert north of Reno becomes home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots and crews. Over the past ten years, the event has attracted more than 1 million spectators and generated more than $750 million for the region’s economy. The event features seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft with military and civil flight demonstrations.

Click For Past Race Records