by admin | Jun 1, 2015 | Air Race News
Dear Reno Air Racing Fans:
2015 will be a pivotal year in the history of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA). Although RARA has enjoyed a remarkable fifty plus year span of operations, the truth is that the organization has financial challenges. The tragic events of 2011 only deepened the fiscal concerns. The board of directors, the staff, and the multitude of volunteers that make sure we have a yearly event are very aware of the current state of affairs. All are working hard to make sure the STIHL National Championship Air Races survives and thrives another fifty years. After restructuring the way RARA is governed and how we conduct business, we have reduced operating expenses very significantly.
We need your support. Attendance is a key factor for our success. This year’s show will be very entertaining. As always, we will feature six competitive race classes flying in a closed pylon contest that is the fastest motor sport in the world. Thanks to a very generous contribution we have managed to secure the performance of the Commemorative Air Force’s Tora, Tora, Tora group. This multi airplane, pyrotechnic show features a powerful history lesson as we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the end of World War II. Additionally the Breitling Jet Team will be coming to Reno for the very first time performing their seven ship aerobatic routine. There are too many acts to mention all. But it will be fun and different.
The future looks very bright for RARA when we contemplate 2016 and beyond. We have been selected for a performance by the Blue Angels which is always a crowd favorite and a guaranteed increase in attendance. We have also been in numerous discussions about televising the Races in some fashion. Potential sponsors have expressed interest in pursuing this option. We have an amazing organization that is a national treasure. Together we will build the future.
Race On!
John Agather – Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mike Major – Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Directors
by admin | May 27, 2015 | Air Race News
Volunteers opportunities at 2015 National Championship Air Races
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), newly appointed as a 501(c)(3), will hold a volunteer fair on Sat. June 6 at Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill at 5995 S. Virginia from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the 2015 National Championship Air Races held every Sept. at the Reno Stead Airport.
The fair will be in the upper level of Pinocchio’s and feature seven tables for different volunteer opportunities. Interested parties will be able to discuss volunteer jobs with RARA representatives at each table and apply for positions.
2015 National Championship Air Race volunteer opportunities include:
Office Volunteer
Office volunteers will help prepare for race week in the RARA office by assisting with answering phones, filing and organizing credential packets. During race week, office volunteers will help man the front desk window and phones to help answer questions and additional credential requests. Requirements include office experience, exceptional customer service, communication skills, organization, good in stressful situations and computer skills. Must be available pre-race and race week.
Military Display
Volunteers with experience and aircraft background will assist with wing walking, moving barricades, handle chalks and other small tasks that do not involve driving or operating equipment during race week. Some running of lunch and beverage and cleanup may be involved. Big days included set up on Tuesday and Wednesday of race week, helping receive aircraft Wednesday and Thursday and breaking down the area Monday following race week. Wings of Blue will also be looking for volunteers, such as ROTC to help catch chutes when they land.
Pylon Judges
For those new to judging this will require being available during Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) June 17-20 as well as race week. Volunteers will then be encouraged to roam the pit to learn race numbers and paint schemes as well as join the judges at the pylons to learn operations. Pylon judges record race numbers, pylon cuts, forced cuts and any pilot comments. Pylon judges also control final access to the race courses.
Security
Security volunteers perform a number of functions that are essential to the safety and success of the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Volunteers staff ticket gates and perform bag checks to help prevent people from bringing prohibited items into the event. They staff the entrances to reserved and box seating to check for guest tickets and answer questions. Ramp and pit row volunteers monitor vehicle and foot traffic from the pit and crowd areas onto the ramp, answer questions and monitor for safety violations. Volunteers at vehicle gates check to ensure that only authorized vehicles and persons are permitted onto the grounds.
Full descriptions and applications will be available at airrace.org for those unable to make it.
Tickets are now on sale for the 52nd Annual National Championship Air Races held Sept. 16-20, 2015 at the Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit: https://airrace.org.
by admin | Mar 17, 2015 | Air Race News
Our new online merchandise store is open! Please check back frequently as we will be adding more items soon. If you are looking for something you don’t see, please call us in the office for assistance. 775-972-6663
by admin | Mar 16, 2015 | Air Race News
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!! Purchase through our website www.airrace.org or call our office at 775-972-6663. If you held reserved seats last year, please call the office to reserve the seats you held last year.
SHOPPING IN THE STORE IS NOW OPEN ALSO. Purchase shirts, jackets, programs, pins, hats and memorabilia.
Thank you for your support!
We look forward to seeing you in September.
by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Air Race News
The dates for the 2015 Pylon Racing Seminar(PRS) will be June 17-20, 2015.
The entry application has been posted! Please make sure you contact the class you plan to attend PRS in.
For more information, please look at the Rookie School Page.
by admin | Feb 10, 2015 | Air Race News
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) has tapped former Coca-Cola executive, Micheal (Mike) Crowell, as president and chief executive officer of the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
Throughout his established career at Coca-Cola, Crowell managed bottling facilities in the United States, Middle East and Asia. Crowell has a strong reputation as a leader in sales and marketing as well as his highly effective management of operational cost controls.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber step in to take the helm at the Reno Air Races,” said John Agather, chairman of the RARA board of directors. “We are looking to Mike to bring his leadership, experience and expertise in running efficient organizations to the Reno Air Races so that we can ensure this important northern Nevada event is successful for many years to come.”
Crowell has spent the last 11 years in Reno since retiring from Coca-Cola, and was previously in Reno from 1982-1987 as executive vice-president/general manager of Shoeshone Coca-Cola Bottling Co., and as vice president/branch manager of Home Federal Savings Bank of Nevada. Prior to retiring he served as president/director of Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia where he was responsible for ten bottling plants with 26 bottling lines and 142 sales centers. While there he was credited with numerous key accomplishments including 45% growth in volume.
“I spent my entire career ensuring that the organizations I worked for saw results – results in sales, results in efficient operations, results in the bottom line,” said Crowell. “I’m looking forward to putting those skills to work for an event that not only makes a huge economic impact on our community, but one that air racing fans from literally all over the world come to enjoy each year. I’m fortunate to have the help of our dedicated staff, a supportive board of directors, our sponsors and amazing volunteers in that effort.”
The 52nd Annual National Championship Air Races will be held September 16-20, 2015 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information go to: https://airrace.org
