by admin | Feb 5, 2020 | Media
RENO, Nev. (February 5, 2020) —For the first time ever the country’s newest fighter jet will take to the Reno, Nev. skies at the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races. Fans will see America’s Airmen display the skill, capabilities and technology of the F-35A Lightning II. The one-of-a-kind event returns Sept. 16–20, 2020 with head-to-head air racing, civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food, drink and plenty of vendors to peruse.
“Fans are in
for a real treat this year. We are thrilled to feature the full demonstration
of the F-35,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA Chief Operating Officer. “It’s truly a
performance to remember that will give fans a glimpse of the incredible
capabilities of the world’s most advanced fighter jet.”
The F-35A is the world’s most advanced multirole stealth
fighter, boasting 43,000 pounds of thrust reaching up to Mach 1.6 (about 1,200
mph). The demonstration profile will last approximately 18 minutes and feature
the jet’s extreme agility, speed and maneuverability.
The demonstration team is part of the 388th
Fighter Wing out of Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The 388th Fighter Wing is currently the Air Force’s first combat-ready
operational F-35 wing in the service. The team is made up of approximately 15
Airmen, to include the pilot, wingmen, maintenance and public affairs Airmen.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races are just 20
minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in
the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic demonstrations
and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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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.
About the F-35 Demo Team
For more information on the F-35 Demo Team, you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @F35DemoTeam, or visit their website here: https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/F-35A-Demo-Team.
by admin | Jan 14, 2020 | Media
International
Council of Air Shows recognizes event for PR and Social Media
RENO, Nev. (January 14, 2020) —The Reno Air Racing Association, the
governing body of the STIHL National Championship Air Races, was recently
honored at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las
Vegas. The organization won a gold Pinnacle award for 2019 public relations and
social media in the Large Civilian Air Show category.
“To be recognized by our peers for the progress the team
made during the last year is a distinct honor,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive
Officer for the Reno Air Racing Association. “Our staff and Foundry transformed
our presence and we are delighted to bring this award back to Reno.”
In 2019 the STIHL National Championship Air Races saw
12.6 million social media impressions with more than 432,000 engagements. The
races garnered nearly $17 million in publicity value with international
coverage and staff, volunteers and board members conducted 53 interviews during
race week.
“Last year was a great success and we look forward to
doing more in 2020 while continuing our mission to honor our military, inspire
our youth and strengthen our community, economy and culture,” said Telling.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races return
Sept. 16–20 just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the
fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic
demonstrations and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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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 | Oct 14, 2019 | Media
RENO, Nev. (October 14, 2019) —Longtime Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Event Specialist, Sue Gardner, has been elected to the Reno Air Racing Association board of directors. Gardner served as the FAA’s national aviation events specialist from 2000 to 2005, and again from 2013 to her retirement in 2018. Over the years, she worked diligently to improve the FAA’s overall role in aviation events.
“Sue has been essential in
helping us create a thriving and safe event for all of our pilots, fans and
volunteers,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Reno Air Racing Association. “We are delighted to officially add her to our
team and know she will be an incredible asset to the Reno Air Racing
Association and the future of the STIHL National Championship Air Races.”
During her time with the
FAA, Gardner spearheaded many initiatives to improve the FAA’s management of
aviation events, including standardizing and updating the policy to accredit
the Reno Air Racing Association and the Red Bull Air Races, as well as
coordinating environmental policy pertaining to aerobatic practice areas.
Gardner received the Reno Air Racing Association’s 2019 Chairman’s
Award.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races return
Sept. 16–20 just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the
fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic
demonstrations and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
-###-
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 16, 2019 | Media
National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees joined presenting sponsor Perform Air International in awarding the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong National Aviation Heritage Trophy to the: 1931 WACO QCF – Owned by Chris Galloway of Woodland, California
Winners in other categories:
CLASSIC: Paul E. Garber trophy: 1952 Cessna 195 owned by Bela Havasreti of Kent,
Washington
ANTIQUE: Orville and Wilbur Wright trophy: 1936 Stinson
SR-8B – owned by David Lunsford of Bayfield, Colorado
MILITARY: Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold trophy: 1945 Piper L4J –
owned by Ken Schmitt of Springfield, Oregon.
LARGE: Herb Kelleher trophy: 1939 Grumman Goose –
owned by Gary Filizettii of Milpitas, California
CONTEMPORARY:
1962 Meyers 200 -owned by Bruce Mayes of Honolulu,
Hawaii
PEOPLE’S
CHOICE-Airplane of the Year: A tight
race—The winner is the 1931 Waco QCF -owned by Chris Galloway
of Woodland, California.
Assisting in the
trophy presentations to the winning owners were National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees
Dick Rutan, Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson and Col. Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson and Clay
Lacy. The late Neil A. Armstrong’s son, Mark was there to assist on presenting
our ‘Grand Champion’ trophy in honor of his father, who loved and supported
NAHI.
Presenting
Sponsor, Perform Air International is joined by ISTAT Foundation, Jim and Kay
Guyette, Air Lease Corp., Reno Air Racing Association, National Aviation Hall
of Fame and Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine.
Air &
Space Smithsonian Magazine in their dedication to the preservation of aviation
history as our 2019 trophy sponsors.
The National Aviation Heritage Invitational encourages preservation of
aviation history through the restoration of aircraft to original flying condition.
The Invitational was founded in 1998. A five-member panel, including
representatives of the National Air and Space Museum, judges each aircraft on its
technical merit and how well it represents the aircraft early in its career.
Authenticity to the original manufacturer’s condition is the “gold standard”
for each plane.
More information can be found at www.heritagetrophy.org
Facebook – National Aviation Heritage Invitational
by admin | Sep 15, 2019 | Media
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 15, 2019) — The final day of race week began with the Welcoming Ceremonies, where the Reno Air Racing Association recognized Pete Law as the Person of the Year, the highest honor of the organization. In his six decades with the National Championship Air Races, “Secret Pete” worked with nearly every Unlimited Gold racer to fly the pylon course and is credited with being the humble yet brilliant man who helped make Unlimited Air Racing faster, safer and the most exciting racing spectacle in history.
As they have for the last several years, RARA also recognized the Tuskegee Airmen with a tribute and flyby during the Welcoming Ceremonies. Today’s tribute was especially poignant with the passing of retired Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Friend, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Friend flew 142 combat missions in WWII as part of the elite group of all-black fighter pilots trained at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute. A few years ago, the Palm Springs Air Museum helped restore the P51 Mustang “Bunny” and painted it with the same numbers and markings as the plane flown by Friend in WWII. “Bunny” is flown every year at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, this year with a special tribute logo.
National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Dick Rutan, Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson, Col. Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson and Clay Lacy joined the late Neil A. Armstrong’s son, Mark and presenting sponsor Perform Air International in awarding the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong National Aviation Heritage Trophy to the 1931 WACO QCF owned by Chris Galloway of Woodland, Calif.
It was also announced today that STOL Drag Race is expected to be an official race class at the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races. This will be the first new race class created in 22 years.
Gold Race Results:
Unlimited Class Results: Dennis Sanders flying Dreadnought completing the course in 09:20.713 at an average speed of 403.274 mph
Jet Class Results: Pete Zaccagnino flying Just Lucky completing the course in 05:41.672 at an average speed of 495.106 mph
Sport Class Results: Andrew Findlay flying One Moment completing the course in 07:12.928 at an average speed of 390.744 mph
T6 Class Results: Chris Rushing flying Barons Revenge completing the course in 07:23.400 at an average speed of 235.081 mph.
Formula One Results: Lowell Slatter flying Fraed Naught completing the course in 06:09.023 at an average speed of 243.442 mph.
Biplane Class Results: Andrew Buehler flying Phantom completing the course in 04:55.831 at an average speed of 227.755 mph.*
* The Tom Aberle Memorial Gold Race was canceled due to high winds. Results based on Heat 3A results.
Full Race Results:
Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html
Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html
Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html
T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html
Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html
Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 16‑20, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
###
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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. 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 AirRace.org.
by admin | Sep 14, 2019 | Media
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2019) — The STIHL National Championship Air Races continued on Saturday with exhilarating racing, incredible demonstrations, heart-thumping performances and heart-warming remembrances. Today was Herb Kelleher day and the legendary founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines was recognized for changing the course of aviation history by bringing affordable, friendly service to the airways.
Sue Gardner was also recognized as the 2019 Chairman’s Award recipient. Her tireless work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and continuous advocacy for safe aviation events throughout the United States made her a clear choice for this year’s award.
All six classes of aircraft took the course in various heats throughout the day, along with performances from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Jeff Pietz Aerobatics, HondaJet Flight Demo, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the STIHL Lumberjack Show. The GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Zone hosted hundreds of youth and attendees with education around aviation and technology, including 3D printing, drones and robotics. Fans explored the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) outdoor exhibit of historical military aircraft and roamed the pits to take a closer look at the aircraft on display.
Saturday’s Race Results:
Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html
Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html
Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html
T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html
Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html
Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html
On Sunday, Sept. 15 all six classes of aircraft will participate in the final Gold Races.
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races is currently underway just 20 minutes north of downtown 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, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, static military displays and more. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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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 six 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. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. 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 AirRace.org.
