While we are mourning the sad ending to our last air races in Reno, we are also focused on the countless good memories created over a 60 year adventure that will live on in all our hearts forever. The incredible legacy of Reno Air Racing and our September Family that has grown and flourished from it is a certain kind of special that will never fade away.
On the last day of the event, we lost two beloved members of our air race family. Chris Rushing and Nick Macy were extraordinary pilots and pillars in the aviation community. As veteran gold winners in the T-6 class, they were truly champions on and off the race course. We share in the sorrow experienced by every person who knew Chris and Nick and extend our support to their friends, families, crew and fellow pilots.
Please join us in finding ways to honor these two great men in the coming days. We’d love to see your pictures and hear stories of how they impacted you, or how they helped to make this event special. These simple gestures keep the spirit of their passion for air racing alive, and are a meaningful way to honor their legacy.
Here are the final standings from the 2023 National Championship Air Races – the Final Flag in Reno.
UNLIMITED CLASS
GOLD #3 Steve Hinton – Bardahl Special #114 Stephen Koewler – Argonaut #924 Joel Swager – 924 #64 Vicky Benzing – Plum Crazy #31 Dan Vance – Speedball Alice #19 John Maloney – Boise Bee #44 Brant Seghetti – Sparky
SILVER #43 Steven Coutches – 51 #81 Rob Patterson – Wee Willy II #69 Jim Rust – Miss Marvel #51 RT Dickson – Swamp Fox #18 Jim Thomas – Sneak Attack #27 John Maloney – Miss Trinidad #11 Brent Hisey – Miss America
BRONZE #4 Jeff Lavelle – Sweet & Lovely #75 John Muszala II – Lady Jo #63 Patrick Nightingale – Pretty Polly #0 Mark Moodle – Spam Can #62 Tom Nightingale – Bunny #55 Ken Gottschall – Man O’ War
JET CLASS
GOLD #5 Michael Steiger – American Spirit #24 Joe “Face Punch” Swindel – Just Lucky #8 Dave Sterling – Race 8 #11 Jerry “Jive” Kirby – Team Race 11
SILVER #84 Scott Gusakov – Tumbling Goose #12 Matt Guthmiller – Alpine Thunder #55 Bob McCormack – Spirit of Freedom #61 George Ryan – Miss Independence #17 Al “Cool Breeze” Hoover – Texas Fouga #555 Mark E Davis – Phoenix
SPORT CLASS
GOLD #39 Jeff Lavelle – Race 39 #30 Andrew Findlay – One Moment #3 Sean VanHatten – Mojo #4 Tom McNerney – Too Much #51 Mathias Haid – Clas Thunder One #777 Matt Ramsey – Guardian Angel #5 Conrad Huffstutler – Breathless #15 Vicky Benzing – Lucky Girl
SILVER #6 Joe Coraggio – Ramp Rat’s Ride #67 Peter Balmer – Race 44 #56 George Catalano – Bad Dingo #2 Vince Walker – Modo Mio #10 Timothy Slater – Cruse Missile| #34 John Flanagan – Screamin Mimi #45 Doug Glover – KXP Racing #7 Kevin Eldredge – Gryphone
BRONZE #28 Pete Zaccagnino – Coming in Hot #92 David Robinson – Top Shelf #23 Bijan Victor Maleki – Reno Bear #96 Chris McMillian – Sarah Smile #49 Bob Mills – Rocket Six #69 James Webb – Leading Edge #21 Alan R. Crawford – Blackjack #60 Dee Child – Miss’d Tuesday
MEDALLION #88 Bob Wolstenholme – NA #52 Colleen Sterling – Aquila #130 Olivier Langeard – Zebulon #55 Nick Biondo – Unleashed #76 Jason Rovey – Race 76 #888 Neil Wischer – Triple Eight #101 Lee Ulrich – General Lee #22 Neil Parkinson – Greenstreak
FORMULA ONE CLASS
GOLD #31 Josh Watson – Fraed Nought #79 Justin Phillipson – No Strings Attached #34 Justin Meaders – Limitless #99 Tim Cone – What Airplane Honey? #14 Matt Moore – ACME Special II #81 Drew Keenan – Sleeper #00 Chet Harris – Aught Nought #85 Eric Dienst – Deja Vu
SILVER #82 Austin Shaw – Cheap Thrills #52 Trent Woodworth – Feisty #39 JP O’Dell – Monkey Ninja #26 Paul E. Newman – Fast and Easy #48 Blaire Hamilton – The Atomic Pumpkin #74 Shaun Milke – Phat Ass Cass #73 Steve Temple – Never EZ #21 Jen Watson – Black Jack
BRONZE #37 Stephen Coleman – Slab Dog #17 Pushkraj “Push” Wagh – Annie #9 Scott Holmes – Outlaw #6 Carl Robinson – Budde Special #58 Todd A Rumsey – Sonic Boom #72 Dominic Cacolici – The Sky Addict
T-6 CLASS
GOLD #14 Chris Rushing – Baron’s Revenge #6 Nick S. Macy – Six-Cat #66 Vic McMann – Gunslinger #88 John Lohmar – Radial Velocity #50 Vitaly Pecherskyy – Abracadabra #43 Joel B. Stinnett – Midnight Miss III
SILVER #90 Greg Mcneely – Undecided #5 Gordo Sanders – Big Red #2 Chris LeFave – Bare Essentials #388 Aaron Singer – EZ Six #69 Lee Oman – Eros #999 Job Savage – 999
BRONZE #49 Bill Muszala – Miss Ellaneous #25 Jason Karlin – Vicarious #73 Loren Marburg – Miss Humboldt Hunny #19 Michael Sisk – Redneck Fury #48 Brian Reberry – The Other Woman
STOL CLASS
#44 Steve Henry – Yee Haw 8 #48 Eddy Sanches – Devil Girl #73 Tim Shelhorn – Psycho Billy #80 Bo Ellis – ECHO #3 Hal Stockman – Lawn Mower III #27 Harry Beaupre – Spirit of Louis #221 Brian Steck – Scooter #62 Austin Clemen #4 Bryan Bowen – STOL Fox #84 Aaron Greear – Moose Knuckle #85 Cathy Page – LunaC #21 Kevin Palmer – STOL 21 #11 Rod Hewitt – Angry Kitten #46 Warren Grobbelaar – Cessna 180 #63 Tony Sanches – God Bless John Wayne #22 Ty Ferkin – Evenrude #20 Ty Berlingham – The Red Wagon #11 David Kerley – 11 #7 Bruce Graham – Yellow Thunder #22 Jeff Whitley – The Beast #66 Jon Hakala – Big Tuna #78 Brian Moore – Honey Badger #18 Justin Tisdale – MooseStacheFlyer
We experienced an unprecedented demand for our merchandise commemorating the last year of air racing in Reno. We’re honored that so many are memorializing this event so passionately. In an effort to be certain that anyone who wants to grab a piece of this historical event has the opportunity, we have made our most popular sold-out merchandise available to order for a LIMITED TIME via the link below. The opportunity WILL CLOSE FRIDAY, September 29th, and orders will ship in 3-4 weeks.
On Sunday afternoon, around 2:15 p.m., veteran pilots of the T-6 class, Nick Macy and Chris Rushing passed after the T-6 Gold race had ended. Both individuals were longtime participants and staunch supporters of the event and we are heartbroken over this loss.
While the incident happened just outside of the race course, it did not involve any civilians or residential buildings. As is always the case, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are handling the investigation into the crash but we do know that this was not related to racing and happened in the course of landing. Though the families of both pilots wanted us to continue racing and the FAA and NTSB had cleared us to continue, we made the decision to cancel the rest of the event out of an abundance of caution and respect for all of our racers and families.
While there are inherent risks with any motorsport, we work diligently year around to mitigate these risks and safety is our foremost priority. Despite the sad way we have ended our storied tenure in northern Nevada, we want to express our appreciation to the countless fans and volunteers who have supported the event over the years. With the encouragement of our pilots, volunteers and entire air race family and the encouragement of both of these two pilots’ families, we will continue to work to identify a new location for the National Championship Air Races and hope to make that announcement in early 2024.
We want to express our heartfelt thank you to the countless individuals who work to put on an event of this magnitude. This was one of the biggest in the event’s history and we are incredibly grateful to all of the fans who show unconditional support through both the good and troubling times.
The Reno Air Racing Association is heartbroken to announce that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, two members of our racing family, Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, passed away in a landing accident. Both expertly skilled pilots and Gold winners in the T-6 Class, Macy piloted Six-Cat and Rushing flew Baron’s Revenge. Families of both pilots have been notified and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy. There were no civilian casualties and RARA is doing everything we can to support the families and friends of the involved pilots. After conversations with the families and with the race classes, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of the races.
“I am completely devastated and heartbroken today,” said Fred Telling, Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association and President of the T-6 Class. “These two pilots weren’t just an integral part of the National Championship Air Race family, they were a part of my family. My heart goes out to their own families and to all of the spectators and fans who have so enthusiastically supported us this week.”
Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible. As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time.
It is with great sorrow that the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announces that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased. The RARA Board of Directors and the T-6 class president are working to notify next of kin and ensure families have all of our support. There were no civilian injuries and we’re in the process of confirming additional details around the incident. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available. All racing operations are currently suspended.
Safety is the foremost concern of RARA and we work year-round to host the safest event possible. As we always do, we are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA and all local authorities to identify the cause of the accident and ensure that all of our pilots, spectators and volunteers have the necessary support during this time.
Thank you for tuning into the announcement we’ve all been waiting for – the full racer lineup for the 2023 National Championship Air Races!
Below you’ll find details about who will be taking to the skies for the Final Flag at Reno Stead Airport, September 13-17. Please note that, to our great disappointment, the Biplanes will not be able to race this year.
Among those that are in the mix, you’ll find some fresh faces, as well as some EPIC returns. This show will not only be memorable because it’s the last in Reno, but also because of the tremendous matchups sure to bring fans to their feet throughout the event!
The lineup for Unlimited features another exciting showdown between Dreadnought and Miss America, plus we welcome back several historical racers and 7-time Gold champion Steven Hinton. Will either of these top contenders pull away on the final stretch, or is there a sleeper waiting in the wings to take the trophy home?
Justin Meaders and Lowell Slatter have traded championships for the better part of the last decade, and now sit tied with three F1 trophies each. All eyes will be on Limitless and Fraed Naught to see if either can come out on top, or if a new title holder will take over.
#3: Ross Killin – The Kraken
#6: Carl Robinson – Budde Special
#9: Scott Holmes – Outlaw
#14: Matt Moore – ACME Special II
#15: Jeremy Heidinger – Last Lap Player
#17: Pushkrag “Push” Wagh – Annie
#21: Jen Watson – Black Jack
#26: Paul Newman – Fast and Easy
#31: Josh Watson – Fraed Naught
#34: Justin Meaders – Limitless
#37: Stephen Coleman – Slab Dog
#39: JP O’Dell – Monkey Ninja
#40: Dave Holmgren – Miss USA
#48: Blaire Hamilton – Atomic Pumpkin
#52: Trent Woodworth – Feisty
#72: Dominic Cacolici – The Sky Addict
#73: Steve Temple – Pooder
#74: Shaun Milke – Phat Ass Cass
#76: Tom Siegler – Dog House
#79: Justin Phillipson – No Strings Attached
#81: Drew Keenan – Sleeper
#82: Austin Shaw – Cheap Thrills
#85: Eric Dienst – Deja Vu
#99: Tim Cone – What Airplane Honey?
Alternate pilots not already flying
Jeffrey Lo
After a few years away from the trophy, the air racing world looks forward to seeing if 7-time champion aircraft American Spirit can cross the line first, one more time in Reno.
#1: Bob McCormack – Johanna
#2: Bob McCormack – Athena
#5: Michael Steiger – American Spirit
#8: David Sterling – Race 8
#11: Jerry “Jive” Kerby – Team Race 11
#12: Matt Guthmiller – Alpine Thunder
#16: J. Kevin Roll – Gray Wolf
#17: Al “Cool Breeze” Hoover – Texas Fouga
#19: Charlie (Squid) Camilleri – Delfin Devil
#24: Pete Zaccagnino – Just Lucky
#55: Nathan Harnagel – Spirit of Freedom
#61: Tammy Camilleri – Miss Independance
#84: Scott Gusakov – Tumbling Goose
#90: Mark E Davis – Chechmate
Pace 73: Cyrill Wipfli – Hawker Pace
Pace 555: Rick Vandam
Jet Pace: Jay Obernolte
Alternate pilots not already flying
Joe “Face Punch” Swindel
George Ryan
Mark Johnson
Last year’s winner – Mathias Haid/Clas Thunder One – is back to defend his crown, but Jeff Lavelle and Andy Findlay have dominated the Sport Class for years, and will add fierce competition to the race. With this being the most packed class of racers, there’s no doubt we’ll see other pilots in the mix, set to rise in the standings.
#2: Vince Walker – Modo Mio
#3: Sean VanHatten – Mojo
#4: Tom McNerney – Too Much
#5: Conrad Huffstutler – Breathless
#6: Joe Coraggio – Ramp Rat’s Ride
#7: Kevin Eldredge “Skids”
#8: David Sterling – Race 8
#10: Timothy Slater – Cruse Missile
#15: Vicky Benzing – Lucky Girl
#21: Alan R. Crawford – BLACKJACK
#22: Rick Vandam – GREEN STREAK
#23: Bijan Victor Maleki – Reno Bear
#28: Pete Zaccagnino – Coming in Hot
#30: Andrew Findlay – One Moment
#34: John Flanagan – Screamin Mimi
#39: Jeff Lavelle – Race 39
#44: Peter Balmer – Race 44
#45: Doug Glover – KXP Racing
#49: Bob Mills – Rocket Six
#51: Mathias Haid – Clas Thunder One
#52: Colleen Sterling – Aquila
#55: Nick Biondo – Unleashed
#56: George Catalano – Bad DINGO
#60: Dee Child – Miss’d Tuesday
#69: James Webb – Leading Edge
#76: Jason Rovey – Race 76
#80: Skylor Piper – Miss Ruby S
#88: Bob Wolstenholme – NA
#92: David Robinson – “Top Shelf”
#96: Chris McMillian – Sarah Smile
#101: Lee Ulrich – General Lee
#130: Olivier Langeard – Zebulon
#314: Scott Prewitt
#744: Tommy Ishii – Millennial Falcon
#777: Matt Ramsey – Guardian Angel
#888: Neil Wischer – Triple Eight
Pace 17: Chris Schaich
Pace 69: Malte D Bruegmann – Pace 69
Alternate pilots not already flying
Neil Parkinson
Ralf Aue
Nearly every racer from last year’s thrilling lineup is back – plus a few more – as each participant looks to leave their mark on the newest class in air racing. Among this full field of racers, Steve Henry has the edge, but absolutely no one is going to make it easy on him.
The history of winning to be found in this year’s T-6 Class is an absolute site to behold. Between Baron’s Revenge, Radial Velocity, Midnight Miss III, Six Cat, and Miss TNT – each have won multiple trophies, and 25 combined. This makes for a truly historic final competition. It’s time to see if any of these champions can add one more in Reno.
After an incredible 46 years with the RARA Towing Group, 17-year Ramp Chief veteran Jimmy Cassidy is retiring from the National Championship Air Races.
Cassidy’s exceptional leadership as Ramp Chief included:
The management of ramp pit parking
Race plane towing requirements associated with race staging and returning aircraft to their pit area
Recovery of disabled aircraft
Race plane refueling
Jim has always been a complete team player, committed to ensuring that his team safely accomplished its responsibilities. A year-round contributor to RARA’s complex requirements, he was always available to assist with the planning needs essential to successful execution of the yearly Pylon Racing Seminar and the National Championship Air Races.
Cassidy’s friendly personality and reputation for quick and knowledgeable action have earned him much respect from the racers over the years, with many giving frequent comments and kudos for his right-now response in almost any situation.
Jimmy shared that his time will be spent traveling and enjoying his retirement, and although he’ll miss the work and intensity of the National Championship Air Races, he says he’ll still be around to offer occasional advice and cheer on his team as they carry the torch onward.
He will be greatly missed, but we are thankful for his years of service and for building a team that can carry the torch into the future.
