This year’s demonstration
may lead to first new racing class in more than 20 years
RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —Combine heart pounding head-to-head racing with major horsepower and a little dirt and you’ve got the STOL Drag Racing Demonstration. Set to make its debut at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15 in Reno, Nev., organizers hope this year’s demonstration becomes a brand-new racing class in the future.
“It’s like car
drag racing meets aviation and it’s going to bring a whole new energy to the races
in September,” said Kevin Quinn, president and founder of STOL Drag.
Quinn is no
stranger to this type of racing. Quinn has been hosting a fly-in event in the
Nevada desert called the High Sierra Fly In since 2008. Since its conception,
the High Sierra Fly In has garnered a dedicated following with nearly 450 airplanes
and 2,000 spectators participating last year, catching the attention of the
Reno Air Racing Association.
“This is an
exciting new idea, something that we’ve never seen before, and we knew we had
to find a way to get it to the races,” said Fred Telling, chief executive
officer of the Reno Air Racing Association.
The STOL group
attended the annual Pylon Racing Seminar, a required safety training, in June of
this year and received FAA sign-off for a demonstration at the 2019 STIHL
National Championship Air Races.
“We see this as
a huge opportunity for STOL Drag Racing,” said Quinn. “We’ve got two planes
racing head-to-head, 20 feet off the ground, doing 100 mph, 50 feet apart – it’s
going to blow everyone’s minds. We really hope it will continue to grow and we
can compete as our own class in the future.”
The STOL (short
take-off and landing) Drag Racing Demonstration rules are simple. Racers take
off down the 2,000-foot course, accelerating enough but not too much in order
to land at the line at the designated halfway point, come to a complete stop,
pivot 180 degrees and take off again towards the original start line.
The clock starts as soon as the wheels start spinning and ends when the plane is at a full stop. If a plane lands short of the halfway line or the finish line, there is a two second penalty – total of four possible. If the plane does not come to a complete stop on heading at the designated halfway or the finish line they will be disqualified and if a plane slips into a competitor’s lane they are instantly disqualified.
If all goes
well this September, the Reno Air Racing Association may be announcing the
first new racing class at the National Championship Air Races in more than 20
years.
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, 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.
RENO,
Nev.
(June 4, 2019) —Former Hot August Nights executive
director, Tony Marini, is lending his expertise to another major Reno event –
the STIHL National Championship Air Races. The Reno Air Racing Association
announced today that Marini has joined its board of directors.
“Tony will be
an enormous asset,” said Fred Telling, Reno Air Racing Association chairman and
chief executive officer. “I am impressed with his experience and deep
commitment to the local community. The entire board looks forward to working with
him on the 2019 races.”
For the last
several years Marini has served as director of casino operations for Eldorado
Hotel and Casino. With deep Nevada roots, Marini is passionate about his
community.
“It is a true
honor to be a part of this world-class event,” said Marini. “The Reno Air
Racing Association is committed to this region and to putting on a premier
special event. I am looking forward to joining their passion to honor, inspire
and celebrate.”
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of 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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AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
RENO,
Nev.
(May 24, 2019) —The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA)
announced today that the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has approved to
extend the event license agreement through 2020. The rolling two-year agreement
will continue to renew annually.
“The Reno-Tahoe Airport
Authority is proud to continue its long-term relationship with the historic
Reno Air Racing Association,” Marily Mora, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe
Airport Authority, said. “The races are more than a tradition, they are an
iconic aviation event known worldwide. We look forward to working with the RARA
team in 2019 and 2020.”
The licensing
agreement ensures the STIHL National Championship Air Races continues to have
licensing secured for two years at a time.
“We
have a long-standing relationship with RTAA which enables us to put on this
one-of-a-kind event here in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, Chief Operational
Officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The wonderful cultural,
economic and educational benefit that the region enjoys as a result of the
event would not be possible without this collaboration.”
In
addition to licensing the RTAA has made upgrades to the Reno-Stead Airport,
home of the STIHL National Championship Air Races. In 2018, runway 8/26 was
repaved improving the takeoff and landing surface. Recently the airport
authority gave the tower a facelift with new paint and are in the process of
repaving and upgrading roads that race attendees will be able to enjoy this
September.
“We are
deeply appreciative of the continued investments RTAA has made in the Stead
airport,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer of the Reno Air Racing
Association. “We look forward to expanding our community partnerships and
continuing to build the excitement in Reno for this year’s 56th
STIHL National Championship Air Races.”
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport 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.
###
AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
Reno Air Racing Association recently hired two new staff members. Seonga McNeal joins as event services and communications coordinator and Larri Picker fills the position of executive assistant and human resources.
“In their short time here, Seonga and Larri have already made significant contributions to the organization,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “They have jumped in with both feet, displayed a positive attitude, and we are very happy to have them on our team.”
Seonga McNeal A graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism, Seonga is a Reno native with more than a decade of experience in corporate and special events. She serves as event services and communications coordinator assisting in the planning, production and promotion of the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
When she isn’t working, you can find her with her husband and daughter. They love going to the movies, traveling and summers up at Lake Tahoe.
Seonga is very excited to be joining the Reno Air Race Association. As a Reno native, she knows just how spectacular and impactful the races are, not only to her local community, but to all aviation enthusiasts around the world.
Larri Picker With more than 20 years of paralegal and human resource experience, Larri brings her vast knowledge to the Reno Air Racing Association team. She’s a Nevada native and life-long STIHL National Championship Air Races fan, serves as executive assistant and human resources assisting with day-to-day operations, permitting and planning.
Larri is married and blessed with six children and four grandchildren. She is a big fan of soccer (Go Manchester United Red Devils!) having played and coached for more than 30 years. Outside of the office she enjoys going to the movies, plays, concerts and most of all traveling, which she does every chance she gets.
She is looking forward to her time with the Reno Air Races, having been a fan all her life.
RENO, Nev. (May 8, 2019) —The STIHL National Championship Air Races’ free annual GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education
Discovery Zone is
returning in September bigger and better than ever. Educators and those
interested in bringing youth to the free STEM learning hub are encouraged to
sign up soon.
“The STEM Discovery
Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun,
engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and
GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing
Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are
thankful to all who contribute by purchasing Air Race license plates through
the Nevada DMV, or by direct donation and sponsorship. Those contributions make
a difference and without that support we would be unable to continue to grow
this program and inspire so many youth.”
The STIHL National Championship Air Races GRADD-NVBAA STEM
Discovery Zone is one of the largest of its kind at an airshow. More than 6,000
youth were introduced to different aspects of aviation through STEM-based
learning during the 2018 races.
“STEM learning is making such a difference in our youth’s
education and career trajectories,” said Reza Karamooz, President of the Nevada
Business Aviation Association. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions as they
create light with a mini Tesla coil, experience flight in the simulators, drive
ground robots, and watch tangible items being printed on the 3D printers.”
This year the STEM education zone will have drone
workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, 3D printers,
electronic computer-controlled guitars, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State
Capitol Building, hydraulic robotic arm, picture booths, STEM Arcade with 3D
printing pens, PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, a Bell 500 rotary cell phone
and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive
free access to the races for the remainder of the week.
Those interested in bringing classes and youth groups to
the 2019 STEM Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races can
contact Reza Karamooz at [email protected], or visit NVBAA.org to register.
The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns
Sept. 11-15, 2019. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport in the world
as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by with the U.S. Air
Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For
more information, visit AirRace.org.
-###-
AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces: 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
About GRADD: GRADD CO. (Global Robot And Drone Deployment)
is a Las Vegas-based Socially Responsible Nevada Corporation. GRADD is a
leading technology firm in the areas of software and data analytics, using
aerial drone data, as well as terrestrial ground data to create accurate 2D and
3D models. In 2017 GRADD developed and facilitated educational curriculum for
Intel Corporation for 3D Modeling, 3D design, and 3D printing.
GRADD supports local schools, and sponsors
after-school aviation and robotics clubs, and year-round internships at its
offices, for underrepresented youth in the Las Vegas area. GRADD also supports
and funds the Aviation
Post 888, serving youth 13 to 20 years old in the Las
Vegas Area Council of Boy Scouts. For more information about GRADD, call
702-879-9100, visit www.GRADD.co, follow us on Twitter (@GRADD_CO) or
email [email protected].
About NVBAA: Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA)
is a Nevada 501(c)3 non-profit charity based in Las Vegas. NVBAA supports the
aviation, aerospace, and UAS industries throughout Nevada. NVBAA advocates for
the expansion of aviation-based STEM Education offerings for K-12 youth
throughout the State of Nevada. NVBAA’s 450 members represent Nevada’s top
aviation businesses, industry stakeholders and academia leaders, plus government,
and community representatives.
NVBAA supports schools all across Nevada, and
sponsors after-school clubs, and year-round internships for students interested
in pursuing aviation careers. This year NVBAA is granting 100 Part 107 Remote
Pilot Certification Training Scholarships to young Nevadans who are interested
in becoming commercial drone pilots. Learn more about NVBAA at www.nvbaa.org, follow us on Twitter (@NVBAA) or email [email protected].
RENO,
Nev.
(February 12, 2019) —Reno Air Racing Association announces
the addition of two new members to the board of directors in 2019 and the
departure of longtime board member and former board chairman John Agather.
“I can’t thank John enough for his passion and dedication to this organization,” said Fred Telling, chairman of the board of directors. “His work has left an undeniable impact on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, helping to propel the event forward. We look forward to seeing his continued involvement on the chairman’s advisory committee. We are delighted to add Mark Bailey and Todd Donahue to the board as we get ready for an exciting 2019 event.”
A long-time
supporter of the event, Bailey returns to the board after a brief hiatus having
previously served as the Reno Air Racing Association’s treasurer and as a board
member from 1994 to 2016. He is a certified public accountant and managing
shareholder of Excelsis Accounting Group in Reno, Nev. Bailey is a
multi-engine, instrument rated pilot and has also proudly served on boards for
the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Reno Philharmonic.
Donahue is new
to the board and brings extensive experience in aviation safety. He was
nominated as an accident prevention counselor with Bradley Flight Standards
District Office in 1995. Donahue is founder and CEO of Homestead Helicopters based
in Missoula, Mont. which was the first company in the US to become an FAA
approved part 141 flight training academy offering helicopter firefighting,
mountain flying and vertical reference training. Donahue has been a long-time
fan of the races and a close associate of Bill Eck, the National Championship
Air Races longest serving director of operations.
“This year is
one of progression and with Mark and Todd joining our board we are sure to see
fresh ideas and continued success,” said Telling.
The 2019 STIHL
National Championship Air Races return Sept. 11-15, 2019 with the U.S. Air
Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are
now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
###
AbouttheSTIHLNationalChampionshipAirRaces: 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 have
shown that the
event generates as
much as $91.7 million annually
for the local
economy. 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 www.airrace.org.
