by admin | Jan 15, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (January 15, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that following the successful “Save The Races” fundraising campaign that ran from Nov. 13–Dec. 31, 2020 the National Championship Air Races will be returning for its 57th year Sept. 15–19, 2021 pending COVID-19 restrictions.
“After canceling the 2020 event we found ourselves with a significant financial loss that we knew would be a tremendous challenge to overcome, but with the support of the air racing community, the RARA Board of Directors and STOL pilot Trent Palmer we were able to raise over $460,000 of our $500,000 goal,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “With the evolving health situation we will continue to follow the guidelines set by officials and are optimistic that by September we will have the resources needed to ensure the show is both safe to attend and can deliver on the exceptional experience the National Championship Air Races are known for.”
By nearly reaching the $500,000 goal RARA will be able to make adjustments and resume the planning process for the event while still moving forward with new fundraising opportunities to make up the difference.
“We are thrilled to bring the air races back to Reno and reunite our September family,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “While we still need to bridge the financial gap and have a lot of work ahead of us it’s nice to have something to look forward to after such a difficult year. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and are committed, as always, to putting on a spectacular event in 2021.”
As a non-profit, RARA relies on donations in addition to the ticket sales, sponsorships and other direct income from the annual event and are asking for the community’s continued support. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at AirRace.org or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.
Upcoming announcements for ticket sales, performers and more can be found on AirRace.org or on the Reno Air Races Facebook page.
-###-
About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 seven 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Nov 13, 2020 | Media
Organization looking to raise $500,000 by year end
RENO, Nev. (November 13, 2020) – After the heartache of canceling the 2020 National Championship Air Races due to COVID-19 the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is determined to bring the world’s fastest motorsport back to the high desert of Northern Nevada in 2021, but it won’t be possible without additional support. RARA, a charitable 501(c)3, is asking for help by launching a fundraising campaign to “Save The Races” with the goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year.
“Canceling was not a decision that was made lightly, and the repercussions have been significant both fiscally and emotionally. We greatly missed our September Family but safety and following Nevada’s restrictions on gathering size unquestionably had to be our priority as we sought to preserve the long-term viability of the Reno Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “We are doing everything in our power to make next year happen but we can’t do it alone. We’re asking our fans and supporters to help show 2020 that it won’t get the best of us, that we will continue the legacy of this event for many years to come.”
Going into 2020, RARA already faced challenges as cost increases outpaced income. While the 2019 event was successful with great racing, performers and increased non-local attendance the organization still experienced a significant financial loss, largely due to an unexpected increase in insurance premiums of $160,000. While the association had budgeted accordingly for 2020, any opportunity to recover was completely cut off by COVID-19 and instead the issue was compounded.
No event meant no income. Without ticket sales, only expenses were left. The organization did receive some federal aid which was used to retain staff and cover operating costs during the shutdown in May and June when hosting an event in 2020 was still anticipated.
After evaluating the 2020 numbers and gearing up for planning next year’s event, RARA is still facing a significant shortfall. They were hopeful that the release of a video message, individual donations, additional federal aid and the call to either roll-over or donate 2020 tickets would provide the necessary income. While about 12% of the ticket proceeds were donated and regular donations did increase, it has unfortunately not been enough.
“We did not want to make this kind of plea as we know this has been a trying time for so many, but the uncertainty we face has left us without other options,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “After announcing the cancellation, we made the difficult decision to reduce staff by 75%, while also extending cost cutting measures and exploring creative fundraising and marketing opportunities, but there is still a pretty large gap between where we are and where we need to be.”
Now, RARA is seeking a path forward. The association will need to fill some essential staff positions by January or February to pick up planning for an event in 2021, a task not easily handled by the current team of two.
“We are absolutely moving forward planning for the return of the races, but I’m not sure the gravity of our situation is widely understood so we are being completely candid and asking for help,” said Telling.
Telling has served as CEO in a volunteer capacity since 2018 to help with some of the non-profit’s financial needs.
“We took on a big challenge and ran a tight ship over the last two years,” said Telling. “We’ve made significant strides that wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated board and more than a thousand volunteers who selflessly donate their time, but all of the financial progress was lost this year.”
Also lost this year was the $100 million in total economic impact generated by the event to the Reno-Tahoe region, which has been hit especially hard by the cancellation of dozens of large events.
Though RARA needs to generate more than $1 million to be on sound footing for the longer term, the association is looking to raise $500,000 by the end of the year. Without it the 57th National Championship Air Races are in jeopardy.
“The funds raised have carried us this far, but it is not enough to get us through the end of this year and into the beginning of our planning season,” said Logoteta. “We are in need of new income to make the necessary investments for an event in 2021.”
RARA is launching a fundraising campaign to raise the money in addition to efforts already underway including the sale of a small hangar, a series of upcoming online auctions and sponsorship opportunities.
The initial funds will be used to hire critical staff and begin to pay for the ongoing costs necessary to produce the large-scale event whose mission is to celebrate and preserve air racing’s rich history, while honoring military and inspiring youth. A fundraiser has been set up to help reach this goal which can be found at airrace.org/save-the-races/. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.
Next year’s National Championship Air Races are scheduled for Sept. 15–19. More information can be found at AirRace.org.
-###-
About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 seven 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Sep 16, 2020 | Media
STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class will reschedule
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Due to thick smoke blanketing the Reno-Tahoe area Saturday’s Jet Class flyby has been postponed to a later date.
“Many members of our team are from out of the area and are unable to fly in due to the smoke, that coupled with the potential that the smoke may still be here Saturday has forced us to postpone the flyby,” said Jeff Turney, Jet Class past President and founding member of jet racing at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. “Our team is still determined to make this happen when it is safe to do so and we’ll let you know as soon as we have a new date.”
The Jet Class members, in coordination with the Reno Air Racing Association and the FAA, had planned to do an hour-long flyby over Reno, Sparks and Carson City on Saturday, Sept. 19 as a nod to the local community and their “September family” on what would have been race weekend.
Next year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races is scheduled for Sept. 15–19, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. As a non-profit the Reno Air Racing Association relies on ticket purchases and donations to host the annual event, with the 2020 air races canceled they are asking for the community’s support. Tax deductible donations can be made at AirRace.org.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AirRace.org or call (775) 972-6663.
-###-
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 seven 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. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Sep 10, 2020 | Media
STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class Plan Flyby in Reno, Sparks and Carson City
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 10, 2020) – In any other year, members of the Jet Class would be racing, head-to-head around the pylons at Reno-Stead Airport. And while the races were canceled this year due to COVID-19 concerns, members of the Jet Class are gathering for a flyby as a nod to the local community and their “September family.”
“This has been a tough year and even though the races are cancelled we wanted to find a way to let the community know we were thinking about them that week,” said Jeff Turney, Jet Class past President and founding member of jet racing at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. “We miss seeing the fans and want to let them know we aren’t going anywhere; we can’t wait for 2021.”
The flight will take approximately one hour and will feature aerial smoke making the group highly visible as they fly over select locations. The aircraft will be low enough to be easily photographed, while remaining compliant with FAA regulations.
The Jet Class is one of seven race classes at the STIHL National Championship Air Races and considered to be the fastest aircraft. Inaugurated in the 2002 National Championship Air Races as an invitation-only class, featuring match racing with Czech-built Aerovodochody L-39 “Albatros” jets. Today the class has opened the field by adding other aircraft such as Provost, Iskra, L-29 and DeHavilland Vampires. This class truly stands for the “Fastest Motor Sport” with speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour.
Next year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races is scheduled for Sept. 15–19, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. As a non-profit the Reno Air Racing Association relies on ticket purchases and donations to host the annual event, with the 2020 air races cancelled they are asking for the community’s support. Tax deductible donations can be made at AirRace.org.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AirRace.org or call (775) 972-6663.
-###-
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 seven 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. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Jun 26, 2020 | Media
Reno Air Racing Association Sets Sights on 2021 Event
RENO, Nev. (June 26, 2020)– The Reno Air Racing Association has announced the cancellation of the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races originally scheduled for Sept. 16–20.
The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors reiterated their principal concern for the safety and health of all involved and in light of continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and government-imposed restrictions for large scale events has decided to turn all efforts to 2021.
“This decision was not made lightly. It’s difficult to capture the sadness we feel for our September Family who we won’t have the chance to see this year. However, we need to approach this with safety for all involved as our highest priority,” said Fred Telling, CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We recognize and appreciate the great responsibilities Nevada’s government leaders bear as they weigh health concerns against economic well-being for Nevada as a whole. With the June 24th announcement that the state of Nevada will remain under Phase Two guidelines for the foreseeable future we cannot feasibly move forward with planning our event.”
Recently, the University of Nevada, Reno conducted an economic impact study of the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races which found that the event hosts nearly 70,000 total unique attendees generating over $100 million in total economic impact to the Reno-Tahoe region by non-local visitors. The Reno Air Racing Association remains proud to offer free entry day for military members and veterans as well as inspire the next generation through STEM education giving more than 7,000 students free entry to experience the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone at the races each year.
“We are deeply conscious of the cultural and economic loss to the community due to the cancellation of so many special events this year. We look forward to hosting the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 15–19, 2021 but know we will need the continuing support of our fans and community more than ever,” said Telling.
According to Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association, many considerations were factored in to making the decision to cancel this year’s event. Besides the uncertainty around the state of the pandemic in September and safely hosting a large event in that climate, they took a hard look at the long-term ramifications.
“Beyond health and safety, our primary focus has to be the long-term viability of this iconic event rather than a high-risk gamble on the current year,” said Logoteta. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone and we have seen the financial effects across all revenue streams. It’s time for us to take a step back and assess our situation so that we can work toward ensuring the future of air racing beginning in 2021.”
According to Logoteta the organization saw an 80% overall decrease in revenue from March to June 2020 compared to 2019. As a 501(c)(3), the Reno Air Racing Association relies on donations, in addition to ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions and merchandise sales to host the event.
“We typically have a no refund policy on tickets because they are so essential to our ongoing operating income but given the circumstances, we will be providing more options for those who have already purchased tickets,” said Logoteta. “With that being said we are hoping that patrons will rollover their ticket purchases to the 2021 event or, if they are able, donate this year’s purchase as a tax-deductible contribution to help keep the Reno Air Races alive.”
The Reno Air Racing Association is asking that ticket holders submit their preference online by July 15, 2020. Requests will be collected and evaluated, and processing will begin later in July. If no request is made the purchase will automatically rollover to the 2021 event. Please visit AirRace.org to learn more.
-###-
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 seven 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Jun 9, 2020 | Media
An update from the Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors and its Chairman
Like you, we have been closely monitoring the developments around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We first want to thank all of the essential workers who have sustained our communities throughout this pandemic and send a huge thank you to the medical professionals who are on the frontlines of this virus every day. We are pleased to see communities slowly coming back to life in as safe a manner as possible while getting people back to work and allowing businesses to reopen. None the less, the extraordinary number of events that have already canceled and businesses that have been closed in an effort to keep citizens safe are unprecedented.
As always, the safety of our fans, pilots, crews, staff and volunteers continues to be our number one priority. As such, we are evaluating the myriad of different factors in order to host a safe event for all concerned. Guidelines for outdoor gatherings from the state of Nevada and CDC, social distancing and PPE requirements, sponsor participation, air travel, hotel availability, and our fans’ comfort in attending all factor into what the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races will look like. We are hopeful the steps that are being collectively taken now to stop the spread of COVID-19 will allow us to host another world-class event this September, but the challenges cannot be overstated.
To enable everyone to plan appropriately, the Board of Directors will make a decision regarding the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races by the end of June, even though we know many factors may still be uncertain.
Please continue to check back here for any updates or follow us on our social media channels.
Thank you for supporting the world’s fastest motorsport!
Sincerely,
Fred Telling
CEO & Chairman
