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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RENO, Nev.
(September 9, 2019) – The fastest motorsport in the world returns to
the STIHL National Championship Air Races with family-fun including hands-on
activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone and a “flying
museum” at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.
GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone The STEM Education Discovery Zone teaches children about aviation through hands-on projects and displays led by GRADD-NVBAA’s team of engineers, scientists and educators. This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, robotics including a robotic hydraulic arm, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol building, a PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.
National Aviation Heritage Invitational The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the Reno Air Races with skillfully restored vintage aircraft vying for the coveted grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. This year National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Col. (ret.) Bud Anderson, a WWII Triple Ace; Dick Rutan, non-stop around the world record holder; and Robert “Hoot” Gibson, a Shuttle Astronaut and former Unlimited Reno Champion will be on-site at the “flying museum” located on the east end of the ramp. Mark Armstrong, son of Neil Armstrong, will be at the Sunday morning trophy presentation to award the championship trophy in his father’s name.
The Flightline Bar New this year, race attendees can relax at the Flightline Bar which offers shaded seating, lawn games, a TapSnap photobooth and a full bar. Located next to the STOL pits, the new addition is open to all ticket-holding air race attendees.
Nevada Day – Wednesday, Sept. 11 All Nevada residents are invited to attend the Reno Air Races for just $5 on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Stead locals in zip codes 89506, 89508 and 89512 will get in free.
Military Appreciation Day – Friday, Sept. 13 Military Appreciation Day is on Friday, Sept.13. Active duty and veteran military members will receive free admission. Discounted tickets are available through race week for all military members, seniors and children under 12 years old.
Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Nevada Day: Morning race qualifying, afternoon heat races. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.
Thursday, Sept. 12 – Education Day: First full day of racing with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:25 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight. Vendors and tents open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.
Friday, Sept. 13 – Military Appreciation Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds practice show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Herb Kelleher Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.
Sunday, Sept. 15 – Championship Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.
###
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.
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 plane and pilot at
every turn. Fans hoping to get a glimpse of the Thunderbirds’ signature move,
the four-jet diamond formation, won’t be disappointed. They’ll also be treated
to 40 other crowd-pleasing maneuvers that have made this team a household name.
History of the Thunderbirds
First formed in 1953 as part of the then-nascent United States Air Force, the first Thunderbirds team was originally based at Arizona’s Luke AFB. The team’s inception coincided with the rise of air shows in the States, most notably the National Air Races in Cleveland. By then, post-war America had developed a real taste for high-flying action and patriotic displays, especially as the Korean War was winding down.
In the beginning,
the team flew Republic F-84G Thunderjets, Cold War-era turbojets with in-flight
refueling capabilities and room for a nuclear payload. Although striking to
look at, these aircraft topped out at 600 mph, and therefore fell just shy of
being able to break the sound barrier. The Thunderbirds then traded up to F-84F
Thunderstreaks in 1955. While the naming convention is similar to that of the
F-84G, the Thunderstreak featured swept wings and spoilers for enhanced
performance. It wasn’t long, however, that the team moved to the supersonic
North American F-100C Super Sabre jet, allowing its pilots to rattle the nerves
of glass factory owners everywhere. This upgrade in 1956 also coincided with
the team’s move to Nellis AFB, just northwest of Las Vegas. By 1962, the team settled
into the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon with the striking red, white
and blue paint scheme for which it’s known today.
By 1997, the team
celebrated its 50th anniversary having performed countless demonstrations for
millions of air show attendees over the years. The striking image of the team’s
diamond formation against a crystal blue sky graced a U.S. postal stamp that
same year. From 2007 to 2009 the Thunderbirds performed air shows in multiple
countries and states during their many tours including Bulgaria, Ireland,
Japan, France, Italy, Thailand, Hawaii, Romania, Poland, Australia and Puerto
Rico. Its most recent performance at Reno was in 2008.
Needless to say, air racing fans and
organizers are excited about the return of an American icon to Reno Stead
Airport.
“They put on a spectacular show, displaying
incredible flying skills and showcasing some of the most advanced fighters of
our time,” said Tony Logoteta, Reno Air Racing Association chief operating
officer. “It’s a thrill to see them in action and a privilege to be able to
recognize the airmen and women who serve our country.”
The
Pilots
This year’s Thunderbirds team represents a
variety of diverse backgrounds including a figure skater, a college baseball
player and a Medford, Oregon, native who is only the second solo female pilot
in the team’s history.
As the commander and leader, Lt. Colonel John
Caldwell oversees the crew while commanding the entire 130-person operation.
Major Will Graeff and Captain Michael Brewer serve as the left and right-wing
pilots. Major Whit Collins, who was the former president of his high school’s
aviation program, serves in the slot pilot position. Going into his second and
her first season with the team, Major Matt Kimmel and Captain Michelle Curran
are lead solo pilot and opposing solo pilot, respectively. All the way from
Saginaw, Michigan, Lt. Colonel Eric Gorney acts as the Operations Officer for
the team, overseeing logistics. Arizona State University graduate Major Jason
Markzon holds the position of Advance Pilot and narrator.
Performances are set for 2:50 p.m. Saturday
and 2:35 p.m. Sunday, with a practice run on Friday afternoon. As always,
schedules are subject to change based on weather and other factors.
