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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

STIHL National Championship Air Races Attractions and Events

STIHL National Championship Air Races Attractions and Events

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.            

Thunderbirds Make Triumphant Return to Reno

Thunderbirds Make Triumphant Return to Reno

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

us 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.