by admin | Jul 2, 2024 | Air Race News, Media, Scholarships
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 recipient class for its Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) program. The 13 recipients are from Reno and the surrounding area and will be awarded up to $10,000 towards earning flight training certificates. Now in its 3rd year, the program is flourishing and has emerged as a key element in supporting RARA’s vision to “Establish the Reno Air Racing Association as the pinnacle of inspiration, education and exhilaration for people of all ages”. RARA’s commitment to support local youth and ignite a passion for aviation has grown substantially since 2015 when it introduced its STEM Discovery Zone at the National Championship Air Races, and now with the expanding FTS program. To learn more about the Flight Training Scholarship program, events and more, visit www.airrace.org.
“Our organization’s mission has always been to deliver amazing, entertaining events that honor our military and support STEM and aviation education in our community,” said Fred Telling, RARA CEO. “These scholarships make good on the promise to foster the love of aviation and build its workforce through the outstanding talented recipients we have selected. We’re thankful for the generous contributions of the Ray Foundation, the Si Robin Foundation, the Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation and many other donors that are helping turn dreams of flight into reality.”
To be considered for a scholarship, recipients had to be between the ages of 16 and 20, maintain a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, have successfully completed the FAA Private Pilot written exam, and be a resident of Reno or its surrounding areas. Each recipient will be awarded up to $10,000 to help them complete their training. This year’s winners include:
- Gavin Ashby (Chris Rushing Memorial Scholarship)
- Kiera Grange (Si Robin Scholarship)
- Avery Redmon (Getchel Scholarship)
- Maksymillian Barger
- Tristan Bautista
- Antonio Berto
- Alex Florez
- Jared Garrido
- Evan Grey
- John Hamilton
- Benjamin Weaver
- Zachary Wells
- Zeus Wesley
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received that has allowed us to award and now even expand our offering of these scholarships,” said Greg Gibson, Reno Air Racing Association scholarship coordinator. “It’s especially meaningful that the Si Robin Foundation would name one of their scholarships in honor of our dear friend and NCAR champion, Chris Rushing. All our recipients have a bright future ahead of them and we are honored to be a part of supporting their journey in aviation.”
Gibson noted that scholarships named in honor are new this year and are welcome additions that further the depth and meaning of the program.
Since the initial launch of the scholarship program in 2022, the program has continued to grow. Over $300,000 in funding has been awarded to help students complete the necessary training to obtain their private pilot’s license. While the air races prepare for a move to New Mexico in 2025, RARA plans to continue the scholarship program, uninterrupted, and is actively procuring funding for its next round of recipients in 2025. For those interested in donating, naming a scholarship, or learning more about RARA’s education efforts, visit the Flight Training Scholarship page here, or contact Greg Gibson at [email protected].
by admin | May 23, 2024 | Air Race News, Media, Scholarships
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) proudly announces that Roswell, NM will be the new home of the world-renowned National Championship Air Races (NCAR). Following a lengthy selection process by RARA, and after demonstrating its commitment to carry forward this one-of-a-kind event, Roswell has been chosen to host the return of the air races in 2025. The event will continue to feature seven classes of racing, static displays, military demonstrations and more, welcoming fans back to the stands as the world’s fastest motorsport takes to the skies once again.
“We’re thrilled to bring our honored tradition of racing to Roswell and are confident that they have both the enthusiasm and resources to expand the future of our races for many generations to come,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association. “While Roswell was chosen, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support, dedication and enthusiasm shown by all the communities who submitted their bids to host our event. It was incredibly difficult to select a final location as each venue had their own unique strengths and challenges. At the end of the day, we are thankful and deeply appreciative of the teams in Pueblo and Casper who invested their time and efforts in the process.”
This decision marks a significant milestone in the event’s history, as Roswell provides an opportunity to bring national championship air racing to a new part of the country while starting the next chapter for the organization. As the new home of NCAR, Roswell provides air race participants and enthusiasts an opportunity to see the event in a new light with a newly designed course and opportunities for new attractions, specific to the location. Additionally, Roswell’s airfield will set the stage for the next generation of highfliers to compete in an innovative and exciting environment.
“To know that Roswell will be the future home of the National Championship Air Races is a privilege and honor,” said Mike Espiritu, president and CEO for the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation. “The event landing in Roswell is a testament to the collaboration and support of the region who have worked for the past year to make this dream a reality. We are confident that we can help the event grow and expand for many years to come.”
In April of 2023, RARA initiated an official request for proposals, receiving an impressive 38 inquiries from prospective locations across the country. Following this, eleven cities participated in bidders’ conferences, with six submitting comprehensive proposals. After a series of site visits conducted at each location by RARA, factors such as the ability of venues to host large crowds, handle hundreds of aircraft and support the large racecourse needed for the event were taken into consideration. With these and many other factors in mind – Casper, Pueblo and Roswell were chosen as the top three finalists.
The National Championship Air Races will take place at the Roswell Air Center (ROW), a former military base for the Army and Air Force. Today, ROW is one of the largest centers for the commercial aviation industries of the Southwest. In addition to attending the air races, attendees can also enjoy a day at the Mescalero Sand Dunes, visit the Walker Aviation Museum, head to the Spring River Zoo or Carlsbad Caverns and much more. Roswell’s annual UFO Festival is held every summer where attendees from all over can experience something truly out of this world.
While preparations continue for the 2024 Reno Air Show and the 60th anniversary celebration in October, the organization is looking forward to planning the return of the National Championship Air Races in their new home in Roswell in September 2025.
by admin | May 14, 2024 | Air Race News, Media, Scholarships
Since the Demo Team schedules were announced in December, we have been hyping up how excited we are that the US Navy Blue Angels AND the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are both
coming to town.
What we have not properly hyped is just how special that is. Not only is it rare to have two premier jet teams flying at the same show, but the 2024 Reno Air Show will be the only show in North America this year with both the Blue Angels and the Snowbirds!
That’s right, this is a truly unique air show experience, throughout the country and beyond. And with the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team in the mix, this is shaping up to be a historical event, worthy of our 60th Celebration in Reno.
So don’t miss your chance to experience all of this excitement, October 4-6 at Reno Stead Airport!
by admin | Feb 29, 2024 | Air Race News, Media, Scholarships
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce the top three locations in the running to become the future home of the National Championship Air Races (NCAR). The three finalist cities are Casper, Wyo., Pueblo, Colo. and Roswell, N.M. The National Championship Air Races are a one-of-a-kind air racing event which has brought an estimated $100 million in annual economic impact to its current home in northern Nevada.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing, positive feedback we’ve received from the six bidding communities as a whole, as we search for the future home for the National Championship Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association. “There were many, many elements to consider, and we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all the entrants who put in the time and effort to submit their carefully thought-out proposals. Through a rigorous vetting process, we feel confident that one of these three locations will provide the right mix of elements our event needs to continue to race well into the future.”
In April of 2023, after receiving 38 inquiries from different locations, an official request for proposals from the Reno Air Racing Association was sent out nationwide to find a future home for the National Championship Air Races. Eleven cities attended one of two bidders’ conferences in 2023, expressing further interest to host the event. Of the 11, six cities submitted complete proposals.
Telling also expressed his appreciation for RARA’s race fans saying, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the overwhelming support we’ve received from our September Family as we go through this process. We are anxiously looking forward to welcoming everyone back to air racing in 2025.”
A series of site visits were conducted at each of the six locations by some RARA board members, Class pilot representatives and other committee participants to assess the viability of hosting the pinnacle air racing event at their facilities. A myriad of factors were taken into account, including the ability of venues to host large crowds, handle hundreds of aircraft and support the large race course needed for the event. With these and many other factors in mind – Casper, Pueblo and Roswell were chosen as the top three finalists.
Telling also conveyed his deep appreciation to Buckeye, Ariz. Thermal, Calif. and Wendover, Utah for their efforts and support stating, “While these locations were not ultimately chosen to be the home of the next NCAR, they each have tremendous merit and value in their own right. We will be reaching out to them to continue discussions on their potential as expansion venues in the near future.”
A final decision on the future home of the National Championship Air Races is expected in April 2024. In the interim, the organization continues to prepare for its 2024 air show and 60th anniversary celebration in Reno in October ahead of the return of the air races in 2025.
by admin | Jan 31, 2024 | Air Race News, Media, Scholarships
Flight Training Scholarships available to local young adults seeking to join the aviation field
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the launch of its 3rd annual Flight Training Scholarships, aimed at supporting aspiring pilots aged 16 to 20 from the Reno-Sparks and surrounding areas in achieving their Private Pilot License. Committed to fostering aviation education, RARA will award 12 scholarships, each valued at up to $10,000. These scholarships help alleviate the financial barriers that many aspiring pilots face as they pursue their dreams of flight and careers in aviation. The application period for this year’s scholarships will be open from Thursday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, March 31. More information on the application and requirements can be found on the RARA website here.
“We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting young, ambitious individuals who aim to soar to new heights in the field of aviation,” said Fred Telling, RARA Chairman and CEO. “We’re proud to offer two additional scholarships this year, a new offering in our program, which allows a donor to honor an individual or organization as the named sponsor for one or more scholarships. These contributions represent a significant investment in the future of aviation while recognizing those whose impact continues to make a difference. We look forward to awarding many more scholarships as we discover and nurture the talents of the next generation of pilots.”
Applicants for the scholarships are evaluated based on their dedication, passion for aviation and commitment to obtaining a Private Pilot License. The scholarship selection committee is composed of experienced aviation professionals who understand the importance of diligence and mentorship throughout the training process.
The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of various organizations and individuals, including significant contributions from The Ray Foundation, The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation, Si Robins and numerous other philanthropic donations. The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation and Si Robins joined the Ray Foundation this year in adding two named awards as part of the scholarships’ ongoing expansion.
Chosen recipients will be announced on Wednesday, May 15. The scholarships apply toward the costs of flight training and also ensure mentors are available to provide guidance and support, addressing specific issues that may arise during students’ journey towards becoming licensed pilots.
For more information about the Reno Air Racing Association’s Flight Training Scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application details, please visit airrace.org or contact Greg Gibson, Scholarship Coordinator at [email protected]
by admin | Dec 21, 2023 | Air Race News, Media
To our amazing September Family,
As 2023 draws to a close, it would not be overstating to say that it has been one of the most challenging and yet highly successful years in our six decades as the Reno Air Racing Association. Following notice from our airport authority, we announced in March that this would be our last year of air racing at Reno-Stead. While it was indeed a sad and undesirable announcement, you, our fans, volunteers, sponsors, racers, staff, exhibitors, and vendors, all made it clear early on that 2023’s National Championship Air Races would be a grand finale like no other. Initial ticket sales on opening day received such an overwhelming response that our servers crashed! They were quickly back in action, and the following months demonstrated that our September Family was going to be there in numbers the likes of which we have not seen in many years.
Behind the scenes, once the announcement was made, we immediately embarked on a three-phase mission, which we are proud to say is not only proceeding well, but in all likelihood will exceed even our most ambitious expectations!
Our mission was threefold. First, we wanted to have a successful, profitable final race week at Reno that would give proper justice to our long tenure, as well as provide the funding to weather the search for a new location. Second, we planned to create and deliver an open national RFP process that would facilitate the vetting and selection of this new venue for NCAR with our full 7-race class and airshow complement. Finally, we would announce and host a farewell airshow in 2024 to celebrate our 60th anniversary and give a big introduction to our next chapter in a new home.
Fast forward to December, and we are thrilled to report that all three phases are well in hand. Checking the first box, the 2023 National Championship Air Races was an incredible success. While the tragic losses of Nick Macy and Chris Rushing after the T6 Gold Race on Sunday will forever sadly punctuate this historic week, the event itself and its results far exceeded our projections and provided us with the funding needed to proceed with our relocation efforts.
As for our search, as of this writing we have six finalist cities whose proposals have been reviewed and site visits to each have been completed. We are now in the deliberation phase of narrowing the decision down to our final selection, which we expect to announce in early spring 2024. We’d like to recognize Terry Matter, RARA Board Vice Chairman and Site Selection Committee Chairman along with our entire Site Selection Committee for their tireless work in finding our new home.
Finally, at the International Council of Airshows earlier this month we received the wonderful news that we will host not one, but TWO of the world’s most exciting and dynamic jet demonstration teams at our 2024 Airshow – the US Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Our show is scheduled for October 4-6, 2024, at Reno-Stead. We have a host of military and civilian performers plus static displays, a racing heritage area and our STEM Discovery Zone rounding out an amazing weekend of aviation excellence, along with a few surprises we have planned. Even though we are not racing, we are planning an epic celebration of our history and certainly our future that promises to be yet another amazing event for Northern Nevada.
Throughout these challenging yet triumphant times, our core mission has thrived. NCAR 2023 was a first-class air racing and airshow event, and we were able to honor our military with several key ceremonies and recognitions during the week. Our STEM Discovery Zone once again experienced incredible attendance, and we are proud to report that our first and second-year awardees of our Flight Training Scholarships are doing well, and we will be announcing our third year of scholarships this spring.
While the year began with what seemed insurmountable challenges, we are blessed with an incredible Board, Staff and Leadership team, and thanks to their amazing efforts combined with the support of our September Family we now have much to celebrate.
As we enter the holiday season reflecting on our mission, circumstances, and performance, we are humbled by the pride, resilience, and loyalty that all of you have shown as we embark on this next step in our journey. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for persevering, celebrating, and joining us as we continue Racing for the Future. We are truly blessed by you and hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
With deepest appreciation and thanks,
Fred Telling
Chairman / CEO
Tony Logoteta
COO
