by admin | Aug 5, 2019 | Media
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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by admin | Jul 16, 2019 | Media
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.
by admin | Jul 16, 2019 | Media
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.
###
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 | Jun 4, 2019 | Media
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.
-###-
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 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.
by admin | May 24, 2019 | Media
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.
###
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 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.
by admin | May 21, 2019 | Media
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.
Welcome to the family Seonga and Larri!
