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 number of events that have already canceled and businesses that have been closed in an effort to keep citizens safe are unprecedented.

As always, the safety of our fans, pilots, crews, staff and volunteers continues to be our number one priority. As such, we are evaluating the myriad of different factors in order to host a safe event for all concerned. Guidelines for outdoor gatherings from the state of Nevada and CDC, social distancing and PPE requirements, sponsor participation, air travel, hotel availability, and our fans’ comfort in attending all factor into what the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races will look like. We are hopeful the steps that are being collectively taken now to stop the spread of COVID-19 will allow us to host another world-class event this September, but the challenges cannot be overstated.

To enable everyone to plan appropriately, the Board of Directors will make a decision regarding the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races by the end of June, even though we know many factors may still be uncertain.

Please continue to check back here for any updates or follow us on our social media channels.

Thank you for supporting the world’s fastest motorsport!

Sincerely,

Fred Telling

CEO & Chairman

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 gatherings over ten people as well as travel restrictions in less than two months has led us to proactively adjust our plans to provide the participants time to adjust theirs.”

By moving PRS to early September, just prior to the planned 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races, organizers hope the burden on the new racers and those who return to practice is diminished and they will have more time to assess the situation as it evolves.

For pilots interested in PRS, the Reno Air Racing Association is extending the deadline for applications and all documents to June 30. Applications for the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races will be available June 15 and should be submitted by July 15.

The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races, set for Sept. 16–20, are just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. For more information visit AirRace.org or call (775) 972-6663.

-###-

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.

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 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!

Sincerely,

Fred Telling

CEO & Chairman

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

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. “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.

-###-

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.

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. “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.

-###-

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.