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 but the safety of our fans, pilots, crews, and volunteers are our number one priority meaning that the safest course may be to postpone or cancel the event. We’re hopeful that the steps that are being collectively taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 will allow us to bring you another great year of head-to-head racing, amazing performances and exciting on-the-ground exhibits.
Please check back here for any updates.
Thank you for supporting the world’s fastest motorsport, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the Air Races this September!
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. “It’s truly a
performance to remember that will give fans a glimpse of the incredible
capabilities of the world’s most advanced fighter jet.”
The F-35A is the world’s most advanced multirole stealth
fighter, boasting 43,000 pounds of thrust reaching up to Mach 1.6 (about 1,200
mph). The demonstration profile will last approximately 18 minutes and feature
the jet’s extreme agility, speed and maneuverability.
The demonstration team is part of the 388th
Fighter Wing out of Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The 388th Fighter Wing is currently the Air Force’s first combat-ready
operational F-35 wing in the service. The team is made up of approximately 15
Airmen, to include the pilot, wingmen, maintenance and public affairs Airmen.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races are just 20
minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in
the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic demonstrations
and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
About the F-35 Demo Team For more information on the F-35 Demo Team, you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @F35DemoTeam, or visit their website here: https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/F-35A-Demo-Team.
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. “Our staff and Foundry transformed
our presence and we are delighted to bring this award back to Reno.”
In 2019 the STIHL National Championship Air Races saw
12.6 million social media impressions with more than 432,000 engagements. The
races garnered nearly $17 million in publicity value with international
coverage and staff, volunteers and board members conducted 53 interviews during
race week.
“Last year was a great success and we look forward to
doing more in 2020 while continuing our mission to honor our military, inspire
our youth and strengthen our community, economy and culture,” said Telling.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races return
Sept. 16–20 just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the
fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic
demonstrations and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship
Air Races: The STIHL National
Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno
Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for
Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing
classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian
flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event
generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information
on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials,
volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
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 to be none other than the world-famous Van Nuys Airport in Southern California. Known as the setting for the final scene of the 1942 Humphrey Bogart classic “Casablanca,” Van Nuys is perhaps best known as the subject of the 2005 aviation documentary “One Six Right,” which explores the storied history and busy present of the San Fernando-based airport and its most famous runway.
In fact, if you’ve seen the movie and its poster, you’ll instantly recognize the yellow 1945 Piper J3C-65 fixed wing Cub as being prominently featured throughout the film. It just so happens that Zine flies that Cub regularly, with owner Seymour “Si” Robin serving as a major supporter of Zine and the Condor Squadron air association of which he’s a part.
But back to how it all began for Zine. Just out of grad school in Beijing, he returned to Los Angeles and took a flying lesson “on a whim.” From there, he says he quickly caught the bug and could think of nothing but flying.
“I’m very glad it worked out as it did, because it was precisely the VNY connection that got me involved in air racing,” Zine says. “There’s a great history of air racing here, with names like Clay Lacy, Lyle Shelton, Skip Holmes, Pete Regina, Matt Jackson.”
Zine says he met his aviation partner, Rich Chadwick, through the Van Nuys Flight Center while he was serving as a full-time Certified Flight Instructor. In 2010, the two acquired their first race plane, “Sunny Side Up,” a biplane that he raced from 2010 to 2016 before acquiring “Yellow Fever,” a Pitts Special. During those formative racing years, Zine had a hangar next to another former racer, Jason Somes, who he calls a “great source of inspiration, mentorship and knowledge to work with.”
Starting in 2017, Zine raced “Yellow Fever” which racing fans may recognize as the former “Devil in Da Skies” helmed by Jeff Watkins, who was also a former Biplane Class President.
“We’ve done quite a bit of modification since then, but we know Jeff is happy to see his old bird still racing,” Zine says.
He got into biplanes because, he says, “we were trying to find an accessible way to enter into the mix. We were contemplating an IF1 racer that was for sale, but thought a biplane would be much better as we could fly our Pitts year round.”
There are several misconceptions about biplanes, Zine says, but none bigger than the myth that they’re difficult to fly.
“They are very honest airplanes, so they do require some instruction, technique, and practice. But countless pilots have done it, and so can you.”
Reno memories
With nearly a decade of racing at Stead under his belt, Zine says there are too many wonderful things about participating in NCAR to count.
“The camaraderie with the men and women in our class, the interactions with the fans, and the friendships with the volunteers who come back every year are all great,” he says.
He’s recently moved into a teaching role as a Pylon Racing Seminar instructor, something he’s found very rewarding. But, it’s the on-course action that gets his blood pumping the hardest.
“Certainly, my favorite part is going around the pylons,” Zine says. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in an airplane and being on the course low and fast with planes all around you is almost meditative, as it really does drown out the rest of the world as you focus on the task at hand.”
As with most pilots, his least favorite part is the early-morning wake-ups required of all racers.
Next year promises to bring even more excitement as Zine plans to race both a biplane and a T6. It’s sure to be double the work — and the fun — for this young Southern California pilot. Here at the Reno Air Racing Association, we’re counting down the days until September 16, 2020 when once again high flying action will rule the day and young pilots will realize they, like Zine, can race at Reno, too.
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 licensed pilot. He continues to live an unlimited life traveling around the globe spreading a message of positivity and hope.
Korgan was nominated for the Thunderbirds Hometown Hero Flight during the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. On September 13, 2019, Korgan lived out his childhood dream of flying with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Donate now to help inspire future pilots like Grant Korgan.
