RENO,
Nev.
(June 4, 2019) —Former Hot August Nights executive
director, Tony Marini, is lending his expertise to another major Reno event –
the STIHL National Championship Air Races. The Reno Air Racing Association
announced today that Marini has joined its board of directors.
“Tony will be
an enormous asset,” said Fred Telling, Reno Air Racing Association chairman and
chief executive officer. “I am impressed with his experience and deep
commitment to the local community. The entire board looks forward to working with
him on the 2019 races.”
For the last
several years Marini has served as director of casino operations for Eldorado
Hotel and Casino. With deep Nevada roots, Marini is passionate about his
community.
“It is a true
honor to be a part of this world-class event,” said Marini. “The Reno Air
Racing Association is committed to this region and to putting on a premier
special event. I am looking forward to joining their passion to honor, inspire
and celebrate.”
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of 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.
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AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
Military planes have been around for centuries. There is a multitude of types and sizes. Each plane has its own unique look, feel, and special features. One, in particular, the P-51 Mustang, comes in different versions and is among the fastest in military aircraft.
What makes the P-51 Mustang so special and how fast can a P-51 Mustang go? Let’s find out!
P-51 Mustang: The History
This plane has been in commission since the 1940s, during WWII. The chief designer of North American Aviation suggested building a plane from the ground up, rather than continuing to produce another licensed fighter for that time, the Curtiss P-40. The result was the P-51.
Created as a monoplane, with only one passenger; the P-51 was built as a low-wing style fighter fueled by an in-line, liquid-cooled Allison engine. This created a turbo-supercharge for the plane – a first of its kind.
This design was later called “Mustang” by the British, thus receiving its full name: P-51 Mustang. These planes joined the war in 1942 as low-altitude fighters. It was not possible for them to rise more than 15,000 feet. Despite this limitation, they did contain ample firepower and options for photography that most of the other fighter planes of the time sported.
Specifications
The P-51 took its first flight in May of 1941, at a speed of 425 miles per hour. With a 37-foot wingspan taking up 233 square feet of area, this plane sported many firsts of its kind. Later models of the P-51 were even equipped with a warning radar in the rear to alert of approaching aircraft from behind.
This plane was deemed “the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence” by the Truman Senate War Investigation Committee in 1944.
Evolution of the P-51 Mustang
Over the years, new features and technology were added to the P-51 to keep it updated with the times. These updates began as early as 1942 when the Mustangs were equipped with the British Merlin engine for speed. Adding the Merlin engine increased the speed of the P-51A (original Mustang) by 110 mph.
This new prototype was brought back to the U.S. and mass produced in California and Texas. These new models were classified as the P-51B (California) and P-51C (Texas). Due to their new speed and classifications, the B and C models were able to fly higher and have a longer range. These details allowed the Mustangs to become the escorts for the U.S. bombing against Germany in 1943.
As time went on, the Mustang continued to update to the model we know today. By the spring of 1944, the Mustang had moved to the P-51D model. This new plane was equipped with a canopy, called the bubble-top, to protect the pilot and improve his vision. There were also updates made to the machinery as well. Extra guns and a new gunsight were added to the plane, along with a new feed system for the ammunition to reduce jams in the guns.
By the end of the war, the P-51H was in commission but did not arrive in time to hit the front lines of battle. This newest model was 50 mph faster than the D model and was considerably lighter than most of the previous models.
By 1946, there were over 15,000 Mustangs in existence – all types included. With WWII over, these planes were part of the U.S. Airforce. New aircraft and fighters began to emerge and force the Mustang to a second position for war. By the Korean War, the Mustang was transferred to the Air National Guard or surplused.
As it turned out, the long-range attributes of the P-51D brought the Mustang back into commission during the Korean War, as it could hit targets the other jet fighters couldn’t. Proving its usefulness, the Mustang remained with the Reserve and the Air National Guard until they were phased out in 1957.
Today’s P-51 Mustang
The last Mustang in service currently resides on display with the Air Force tactical unit. It is a recreation of the P-51D flown by Colonel C.L. Sluder, commander of the 325th fighter group stationed in Italy in 1944. The name on the plane is “Shimmy IV” and is a production of his own creation to honor the Colonel’s daughter, Sharon, and his wife, Zimmy.
Today, the Unlimited Class at the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno regularly features modified P-51 Mustangs. In 2017, The P-51 Mustang, Voodoo, raised the bar for the P-51 models. Voodoo broke speed records for a plane powered by an internal combustion engine on the course. The pilot, Steven Hinton, has won multiple times in the Unlimited Class.
In 2017, Voodoo reached an average speed of 531 mph. This far exceeded the previous speed record in the books. Voodoo is currently the fastest of the P-51 models and is ranked as the fasted piston in the world. These planes have fought and served with and for the Armed Forces over the years and now they battle in a race for the best of the best.
The P-51 Mustang has so much history to its name. This plane has fought in many wars for the United States and has been flown by so many of the great military men of the times. Today, it’s breaking records in races and continuing to prove its worth. From the original P-51 Mustang of WWII, through today’s P-51D, like Voodoo; the comparison of these models with other military fighter jets is simply incomparable.
Nothing compares to the speed and aerodynamics of the P-51, as the slimmest fighter with long-range capabilities and speed like no other. The broken records, dating back to its inception, prove the P-51 Mustang is one of the top-performing planes in military history. What more could the U.S. Air Force ask for in a fighter? This plane does it all and has it all. Make sure to grab your tickets for the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV for your chance to watch these amazing warbirds race head to head right before your eyes.
RENO,
Nev.
(May 24, 2019) —The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA)
announced today that the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has approved to
extend the event license agreement through 2020. The rolling two-year agreement
will continue to renew annually.
“The Reno-Tahoe Airport
Authority is proud to continue its long-term relationship with the historic
Reno Air Racing Association,” Marily Mora, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe
Airport Authority, said. “The races are more than a tradition, they are an
iconic aviation event known worldwide. We look forward to working with the RARA
team in 2019 and 2020.”
The licensing
agreement ensures the STIHL National Championship Air Races continues to have
licensing secured for two years at a time.
“We
have a long-standing relationship with RTAA which enables us to put on this
one-of-a-kind event here in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, Chief Operational
Officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The wonderful cultural,
economic and educational benefit that the region enjoys as a result of the
event would not be possible without this collaboration.”
In
addition to licensing the RTAA has made upgrades to the Reno-Stead Airport,
home of the STIHL National Championship Air Races. In 2018, runway 8/26 was
repaved improving the takeoff and landing surface. Recently the airport
authority gave the tower a facelift with new paint and are in the process of
repaving and upgrading roads that race attendees will be able to enjoy this
September.
“We are
deeply appreciative of the continued investments RTAA has made in the Stead
airport,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer of the Reno Air Racing
Association. “We look forward to expanding our community partnerships and
continuing to build the excitement in Reno for this year’s 56th
STIHL National Championship Air Races.”
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport 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.
###
AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
The GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. The annual activation at the STIHL National Championship Air Races is free to area youth. Registration is now open.
“The STEM Discovery Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are thankful to all who contribute by purchasing Air Race license plates through the Nevada DMV, or by direct donation and sponsorship. Those contributions make a difference and without that support we would be unable to continue to grow this program and inspire so many youth.”
The education hub is one of the largest of its kind at an airshow. More than 6,000 youth were introduced to different aspects of aviation through STEM-based learning during the 2018 races.
“STEM learning is making such a difference in our youth’s education and career trajectories,” said Reza Karamooz, President of the Nevada Business Aviation Association. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions as they create light with a mini Tesla coil, experience flight in the simulators, drive ground robots, and watch tangible items being printed on the 3D printers.”
This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, 3D printers, electronic computer-controlled guitars, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol Building, hydraulic robotic arm, picture booths, STEM Arcade with 3D printing pens, PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, a Bell 500 rotary cell phone and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.
Those interested in bringing classes and youth groups to the 2019 STEM Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races can contact Reza Karamooz at [email protected], or visit NVBAA.org to register.
Reno Air Racing Association recently hired two new staff members. Seonga McNeal joins as event services and communications coordinator and Larri Picker fills the position of executive assistant and human resources.
“In their short time here, Seonga and Larri have already made significant contributions to the organization,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “They have jumped in with both feet, displayed a positive attitude, and we are very happy to have them on our team.”
Seonga McNeal A graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism, Seonga is a Reno native with more than a decade of experience in corporate and special events. She serves as event services and communications coordinator assisting in the planning, production and promotion of the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
When she isn’t working, you can find her with her husband and daughter. They love going to the movies, traveling and summers up at Lake Tahoe.
Seonga is very excited to be joining the Reno Air Race Association. As a Reno native, she knows just how spectacular and impactful the races are, not only to her local community, but to all aviation enthusiasts around the world.
Larri Picker With more than 20 years of paralegal and human resource experience, Larri brings her vast knowledge to the Reno Air Racing Association team. She’s a Nevada native and life-long STIHL National Championship Air Races fan, serves as executive assistant and human resources assisting with day-to-day operations, permitting and planning.
Larri is married and blessed with six children and four grandchildren. She is a big fan of soccer (Go Manchester United Red Devils!) having played and coached for more than 30 years. Outside of the office she enjoys going to the movies, plays, concerts and most of all traveling, which she does every chance she gets.
She is looking forward to her time with the Reno Air Races, having been a fan all her life.