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

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 Filizettii of Milpitas, California

CONTEMPORARY: 1962 Meyers 200 -owned by Bruce Mayes of Honolulu, Hawaii

PEOPLE’S CHOICE-Airplane of the Year: A tight race—The winner is the 1931 Waco QCF -owned by Chris Galloway of Woodland, California.

Assisting in the trophy presentations to the winning owners were National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Dick Rutan, Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson and Col. Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson and Clay Lacy. The late Neil A. Armstrong’s son, Mark was there to assist on presenting our ‘Grand Champion’ trophy in honor of his father, who loved and supported NAHI.

Presenting Sponsor, Perform Air International is joined by ISTAT Foundation, Jim and Kay Guyette, Air Lease Corp., Reno Air Racing Association, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine.

Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine in their dedication to the preservation of aviation history as our 2019 trophy sponsors.

The National Aviation Heritage Invitational encourages preservation of aviation history through the restoration of aircraft to original flying condition. The Invitational was founded in 1998. A five-member panel, including representatives of the National Air and Space Museum, judges each aircraft on its technical merit and how well it represents the aircraft early in its career. Authenticity to the original manufacturer’s condition is the “gold standard” for each plane.

More information can be found at www.heritagetrophy.org

 Facebook – National Aviation Heritage Invitational

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – GOLD RESULTS

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 Airmen with a tribute and flyby during the Welcoming Ceremonies. Today’s tribute was especially poignant with the passing of retired Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Friend, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Friend flew 142 combat missions in WWII as part of the elite group of all-black fighter pilots trained at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute. A few years ago, the Palm Springs Air Museum helped restore the P51 Mustang “Bunny” and painted it with the same numbers and markings as the plane flown by Friend in WWII. “Bunny” is flown every year at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, this year with a special tribute logo.

National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Dick Rutan, Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson, Col. Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson and Clay Lacy joined the late Neil A. Armstrong’s son, Mark and 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, Calif.

It was also announced today that STOL Drag Race is expected to be an official race class at the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races. This will be the first new race class created in 22 years.

Gold Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: Dennis Sanders flying Dreadnought completing the course in 09:20.713 at an average speed of 403.274 mph

Jet Class Results: Pete Zaccagnino flying Just Lucky completing the course in 05:41.672 at an average speed of 495.106 mph

Sport Class Results: Andrew Findlay flying One Moment completing the course in 07:12.928 at an average speed of 390.744 mph

T6 Class Results: Chris Rushing flying Barons Revenge completing the course in 07:23.400 at an average speed of 235.081 mph.

Formula One Results: Lowell Slatter flying Fraed Naught completing the course in 06:09.023 at an average speed of 243.442 mph.

Biplane Class Results: Andrew Buehler flying Phantom completing the course in 04:55.831 at an average speed of 227.755 mph.*

* The Tom Aberle Memorial Gold Race was canceled due to high winds. Results based on Heat 3A results.

Full Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html

Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html

Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html

T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html

Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html

Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html

The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 16­­­‑20, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. 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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit AirRace.org.

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – SATURDAY RESULTS

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 of aircraft took the course in various heats throughout the day, along with performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Jeff Pietz Aerobatics, HondaJet Flight Demo, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the STIHL Lumberjack Show. The GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Zone hosted hundreds of youth and attendees with education around aviation and technology, including 3D printing, drones and robotics. Fans explored the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) outdoor exhibit of historical military aircraft and roamed the pits to take a closer look at the aircraft on display.

Saturday’s Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html

Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html

Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html

T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html

Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html

Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html

On Sunday, Sept. 15 all six classes of aircraft will participate in the final Gold Races.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races is currently underway just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, static military displays and more. Tickets are now on sale. 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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit AirRace.org.

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – FRIDAY RESULTS

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 on display when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took to the skies for a 40-minute practice session over the Stead airfield. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at the STIHL National Championship Air Races on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 at approximately 3 p.m. each day.

Race fans also had the opportunity to walk around a display of dozens of active military aircraft that showcase America’s military might and airpower superiority.

And of course the day was filled with racing in all six classes of aircraft along with performances from Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight.

Friday’s Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html

Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html

Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html

T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html

Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html

Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races is currently underway just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, world-renowned aerobatic performer Rob Holland and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. 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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit AirRace.org.

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – THURSDAY RESULTS

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 Invitational display.

Tomorrow is Military Appreciation Day. On Friday, Sept.13, active duty and veteran military members will receive free admission, plus discounted tickets are available through race week for all military members, seniors and children under 12 years old.

Friday’s Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html

Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html

Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html

T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html

Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html

Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races is currently underway just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. 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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit AirRace.org.