by admin | Sep 15, 2019 | Media
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.
by admin | Sep 14, 2019 | Media
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.
by admin | Sep 14, 2019 | Media
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.
by admin | Sep 12, 2019 | Media
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.
by admin | Sep 9, 2019 | Media
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.
2019 STIHL National Championship Schedule of Events:
Sunday, Sept. 8– Wednesday, Sept. 11: Race qualifying
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.
