STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – FRIDAY RESULTS

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – FRIDAY RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 13, 2019) — Today, was Military Appreciation Day at the STIHL National Championship Air Races where active duty and veteran military members received free admission and Reno Air Racing Association staff passed out special pins to Vietnam veterans who were in attendance.

General Jeannie M. Leavitt of the United States Air Force (USAF) performed a swearing in ceremony for cadets who took an oath for enlistment in the USAF. Gen. Leavitt was the first female fighter pilot and the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. There was an abundance of pride, patriotism and precision on display when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took to the skies for a 40-minute practice session over the Stead airfield. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at the STIHL National Championship Air Races on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 at approximately 3 p.m. each day.

Race fans also had the opportunity to walk around a display of dozens of active military aircraft that showcase America’s military might and airpower superiority.

And of course the day was filled with racing in all six classes of aircraft along with performances from Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight.

Friday’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

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, world-renowned aerobatic performer Rob Holland and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. 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.

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – THURSDAY RESULTS

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES – THURSDAY RESULTS

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 12, 2019) — The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races are officially underway with the first full day of racing complete. In addition to the heart-thumping racing, fans saw performances by Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight.

It was also Education Day at the National Championship Air Races. More than 2,500 students were able to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Discovery Education Zone. Fans and students roamed through the pits speaking with pilots and checking out the amazing aircraft up close in the National Aviation Heritage Invitational display.

Tomorrow is Military Appreciation Day. On Friday, Sept.13, active duty and veteran military members will receive free admission, plus discounted tickets are available through race week for all military members, seniors and children under 12 years old.

Friday’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

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 and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. 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.

STIHL National Championship Air Races Attractions and Events

STIHL National Championship Air Races Attractions and Events

RENO, Nev. (September 9, 2019) – The fastest motorsport in the world returns to the STIHL National Championship Air Races with family-fun including hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone and a “flying museum” at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.

GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone
The STEM Education Discovery Zone teaches children about aviation through hands-on projects and displays led by GRADD-NVBAA’s team of engineers, scientists and educators. This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, robotics including a robotic hydraulic arm, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol building, a PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.

National Aviation Heritage Invitational
The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the Reno Air Races with skillfully restored vintage aircraft vying for the coveted grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. This year National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Col. (ret.) Bud Anderson, a WWII Triple Ace; Dick Rutan, non-stop around the world record holder; and Robert “Hoot” Gibson, a Shuttle Astronaut and former Unlimited Reno Champion will be on-site at the “flying museum” located on the east end of the ramp. Mark Armstrong, son of Neil Armstrong, will be at the Sunday morning trophy presentation to award the championship trophy in his father’s name.

The Flightline Bar
New this year, race attendees can relax at the Flightline Bar which offers shaded seating, lawn games, a TapSnap photobooth and a full bar. Located next to the STOL pits, the new addition is open to all ticket-holding air race attendees.

Nevada Day – Wednesday, Sept. 11
All Nevada residents are invited to attend the Reno Air Races for just $5 on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Stead locals in zip codes 89506, 89508 and 89512 will get in free.

Military Appreciation Day – Friday, Sept. 13
Military Appreciation Day is on Friday, Sept.13. Active duty and veteran military members will receive free admission. Discounted tickets are available through race week for all military members, seniors and children under 12 years old.

2019 STIHL National Championship Schedule of Events:
Sunday, Sept. 8– Wednesday, Sept. 11: Race qualifying

Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Nevada Day: Morning race qualifying, afternoon heat races. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Thursday, Sept. 12 – Education Day: First full day of racing with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:25 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight. Vendors and tents open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Friday, Sept. 13 – Military Appreciation Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds practice show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Saturday, Sept. 14 – Herb Kelleher Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Sunday, Sept. 15 – Championship Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

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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.            

Racers Announced for STIHL National Championship Air Races

Racers Announced for STIHL National Championship Air Races

Reno, Nev. (Aug. 22, 2019) –This September 11–15 the high desert north of Reno will be home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots and crews for the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races.

The event boasts the fastest motorsport in the world with six race classes going head-to-head at speeds often exceeding 500 mph, as well as demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational featuring some of the country’s premier vintage aircraft.

New this year are the STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations a combination of heart-pounding head-to-head racing, major horsepower and a little dirt. STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) organizers hope this year’s demonstration becomes a brand-new racing class next year. 

After hours of preparation, certification, practice and dedication to the sport a total of 124 planes and 134 pilots have been signed off to compete in this year’s air races.

View the full list of 2019 Racers.

Qualifying begins Sunday, Sept. 8 and racing begins Wednesday, Sept. 11, the planning schedule can be found at AirRace.org/air-races-planning-schedule/. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.       

Preview of National Aviation Heritage Invitational Neil A. Armstrong Print Released

Preview of National Aviation Heritage Invitational Neil A. Armstrong Print Released

Meet with some of the featured aviation legends at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15, 2019

RENO, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2019) —The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) is thrilled to return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev. this September. Come see skillfully restored vintage aircraft on the ramp as they compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy and meet some of aviation’s legends in person.

In addition to featuring incredible vintage aircraft NAHI will continue its mission to keep aviation history alive with the release of limited-edition prints created by noted aviation artist, Joe Jones, honoring National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees at this year’s event. The prints include: Neil A. Armstrong, Patty Wagstaff, Dick Rutan, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Bud Anderson, Gene Cernan and R.A. “Bob” Hoover.

Three of those legendary names will be in Reno in the NAHI tent at the races including Bud Anderson, Dick Rutan and Robert “Hoot” Gibson.

A preview of one of the prints was released today. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, NAHI is giving a sneak peak of Neil Armstrong’s limited-edition print.

“The National Aviation Heritage Invitational is providing a preview of our new limited-edition print honoring Neil Armstrong’s aviation, space and educational career,” said Ken Perich Executive Director of NAHI. “This beautiful print highlights not only Neil’s space accomplishments but his extensive flight experience as well. This print will be formally unveiled at the National Championship Air Races on Thursday, Sept. 12.”

Prints will be available for sale at the static NAHI display area located at the east end of the grandstands. For more information visit, HeritageTrophy.org or AirRace.org.

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STIHL National Championship Air Races Announces Final Performance Lineup

STIHL National Championship Air Races Announces Final Performance Lineup

RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —As if featuring the world’s fastest motorsport wasn’t enough the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races will feature a jam-packed performance schedule filled with new additions and some returning event staples.

The core of the event is the six racing classes – Unlimited, Jet, Sport, T-6, Formula One and Biplane – competing head-to-head at speeds exceeding 500 mph. With some incredible racing planned, event veterans will also see the return of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational and GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone.

The performance lineup has been finalized:

STOL Drag Racing Demonstration – September 12–15
The world’s largest backcountry fly-in is making its way to Reno. The STOL Drag Racing Demonstration gives a new spin to traditional competition top fuel drag racing style. STOL stands for short take-off and landing. The rules are simple, pilots fly a 3/4 mile straightaway down and back side by side, land on a marker and must come to a complete stop prior to turning around. The first pilot that comes to a complete stop wins.

F-18 Legacy Flight – September 12–15
F-18 Legacy Flight will be performed by the VFA-122 Demonstration Team with two FA-18E/F Super Hornet aircrafts. The Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA-122) also known as the “Flying Eagles” are a United States Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron. The F-18 will be joined by a historical Navy aircraft.

Michael Wiskus and the Lucas Oil Airshow – September 12–15
See world-class aerobatics with Michael Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Airshows Pitts Biplane as he performs double hammerhead rolls to slowing the airplane down to zero airspeed. Michael has owned the Lucas Oil Pitts S-1-11B since 2000 and, with the help of Tom Kerns, rebuilt it after purchasing it on Ebay as a wreck. The Lucas Oil Pitts has been extremely modified from its original build, adding full span ailerons for a 400º per second roll rate, 60% larger rudder and elevator for more authority, and a longer gear allowing Michael to stand the aircraft up in place without hitting the propeller.

Commemorative Air Force – September 12-15
Watch an aerial demonstration of World War II aircraft including a F8F Bearcat, a F6F Hellcat, a PBJ Mitchell, and a A6M by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The mission of CAF is to restore and preserve aircraft in flying condition from World War II and other military conflicts for the education and enjoyment of Americans. CAF is now one of the largest air forces in the world with 13,000 members and a fleet of more than 175 aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – September 14 & 15
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an official air demonstration squadron proudly serving our country and providing air shows across the world. The American Airmen have an hour-long demonstration showcasing excellence and celebrating American patriotism. Attendees on Friday, Sept. 13 will also be treated to their practice show. The U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds started in 1953 at the Luke Air Force Base located outside of Phoenix, AZ and are now currently located at Nellis Airforce Base outside of Las Vegas, NV.

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of Reno. 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.