RARA Announces NAHI Will Return in 2018

RARA Announces NAHI Will Return in 2018

 

Reno Air Racing Association                

National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the

STIHL National Championship Air Races

RENO, Nev. [July 11, 2018] – Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), announced today that RARA and the National Aviation Heritage InvitationalLLC (NAHI) have reached an agreement which will bring NAHI back to the STIHL National Championship Air Races this year and for many years to come.

For 2018, NAHI and RARA will host a display of vintage aircraft to celebrate NAHI’s return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Beginning in 2019, NAHI will have a full vintage aircraft competition including judging in multiple categories and hosting the People’s Choice Award, which is sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine.

NAHI was founded in 1998 at the Reno Air Races by four well-known aviation-oriented organizations; Rolls-Royce, the Reno Air Racing Association, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The goal of NAHI is to maintain our nation’s rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition. In addition, they utilize the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to encourage students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry.

“NAHI held its first vintage aircraft competition on the ramp at Reno in 1999 and were a key part of the Reno experience for the 16 years,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of RARA. “Over the years they have hosted several hundred of the finest vintage aircraft in North America to compete at the Reno Air Races. RARA believes that the NAHI vintage aircraft and the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees offer another major attraction for guests attending the STIHL National Championship Air Races and we are extremely pleased to have NAHI back this year.”

“NAHI was born at the Reno Air Races, and it has enjoyed a great relationship with the race fans,” said Ken Perich, Chairman and Executive Director of NAHI. “In addition to displaying some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country on the Reno ramp, we have been honored to have National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees, including; Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, Bob Hoover, Dick Rutan, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Herb Kelleher, Clay Lacy, Bud Anderson, General (ret) Joe Engle, General (ret) Bill Anders, Patty Wagstaff and Sean D. Tucker participate in our annual events and help present trophies to our winners.”

“Part of securing our future is preserving our past, and this is a big part of that effort, said Tony Logoteta, COO and Board member of RARA. “We have taken this renewed relationship very seriously, and NAHI will play a major role in our annual event. Our multi-year agreement will make NAHI a critical component of the expanded Reno experience. We want the aviation community to know; the Reno Air Races is the HOME of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.”

“The vintage aircraft compete for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, which represents one of the highest honors an aircraft restorer can receive,” said Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut, Air Racer and NAHI Ambassador.

Throughout the year the Armstrong Trophy resides at the Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

“The judging criteria was created by representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and emphasizes authenticity and attention to detail,” stated Nelson Blankenship, Chief of Restorations for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. “The Smithsonian is actively involved in NAHI and representatives from our restoration staff serve annually on the judging team.”

The STIHL National Championship Air Races and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational will be keeping our aviation heritage alive at Reno-Stead from September 12-16, 2018.

For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, please visit our website at www.airrace.org.

For additional information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, its mission, aircraft entry requirements and judging criteria, please visit www.heritagetrophy.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational:
The vision and mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC is to support our aviation industry by doing two important functions; honoring our rich aviation history and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry.

NAHI was created to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition. NAHI accomplishes this via a friendly annual competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together some of the finest examples of restored vintage aircraft in the country to compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy.

NAHI utilizes the aircraft, owners and judging staff to help inspire students to consider careers within the aviation industry. We also utilize the ISTAT Careers in Aviation video series to highlight some of the great career opportunities available within our industry.

RARA Will Help Educate Youth About Aviation and Technology

RARA Will Help Educate Youth About Aviation and Technology

RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION WILL HELP EDUCATE LOCAL YOUTH ABOUT AVIATION AND TECHNOLOGY AT RENO ACES EDUCATION DAY, MAY 15

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce they will be partnering with the Reno Aces for Education Day on May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Greater Nevada Field. RARA’s STEM Education Center Coordinator, Reza Karamooz, his GRADD-NVBAA team and racing pilot Dennis Beuhn will be present to share information about technology, aviation and what it takes to become a pilot.

RARA’s GRADD-NVBAA team will have drones on display as well as two flight simulators. Several ground robots will be on display ranging in size from as small as a ping-pong ball to large VEX robots. RARA will have a 3D printer onsite with many 3D printed items on display, including small baseball bats. There will be 2017 Aviation Collector Cards available as giveaways for attendees.

“We are looking forward to this great opportunity to teach our local youth about aviation and technology,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “Youth aviation education is something RARA is very passionate about and this event will highlight some of the amazing things we offer in our GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races.”

Education Day is an event designed for educators and students to learn more about the Desert Research Institute – Science Alive to incorporate STEM principles, safety tips, environmental care, college information and life skills with baseball.

Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visitwww.airrace.org.

About 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, creating actionable results from aerial and/or ground data. Some of GRADD’s industry partners include Intel, Sony, FLIR and Leica Geosystems. GRADD has developed and facilitated educational curriculum for Intel Corporation for 3D Modeling, 3D design, and 3D printing. GRADD provides complete solutions for commercial and governmental clients, from mission planning, to aerial and ground data collection, to data analytics, to delivering the final results as 3D aerial surveys, maps, and inspection reports.

GRADD supports local schools, and sponsors after-school clubs, and year-round internships for underrepresented youth in the Las Vegas area. GRADD also sponsors and supports 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 education 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, statewide economic development, airport infrastructure expansion and the creation of high-paying jobs in Aviation, Aerospace and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the Great State of Nevada. NVBAA’s 450 members represent Nevada’s top aviation business, industry stakeholders, and academia leaders, plus top government, and community representatives. NVBAA is the Nevada chapter of NBAA (National Business Aviation Association).

NVBAA supports local schools, and sponsors after-school clubs, and year-round internships for students interested in aviation in the Las Vegas area. Together with GRADD, NVBAA sponsors and supports the Aviation Post 888, serving youth 13 to 20 years old in the Las Vegas Area Council of Boy Scouts. Learn more about NVBAA at www.nvbaa.org, follow us on Twitter (@NVBAA) or email [email protected].

RARA Will Help Educate Youth About Aviation and Technology

RARA Welcomes Two New Local Members to the Board of Directors

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that it has expanded its Board of Directors and welcomes two new local members, Tony Logoteta and Bobbi Thompson following the vote at the April 26 Board Meeting.

“We are so fortunate to have Tony and Bobbi joining the Board. Beyond their day-to-day operational expertise, they bring local ties, management and aviation experience to enhance the planning of the STIHL National Championship Air Races and continue the great tradition of this one-of-a-kind event which annually brings $91 million economic impact to the local economy,” says Fred Telling, CEO of RARA and Chairman of the Board.

Tony Logoteta is the current COO of RARA and has extensive knowledge of the business operations and logistical details that go into producing the STIHL National Championship Air Races (NCAR).

“I’m humbled by the invitation to join the RARA Board of Directors and look forward to helping this event and organization in any way I can.  I love this city, and I’ve always appreciated what this event does for our region. The STIHL National Championship Air Races is a marquee event that has brought national and international exposure to Reno for over five decades, and I’m excited to be a part of its continued growth into the future,” says Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA.

Bobbi Thompson was hired as VP of Strategic Planning for RARA and also currently serves as the Airport Manager at Minden Airport and COO of ABS Aviation. She has over 35 years of experience producing air shows around the United States and Central America.

“For the past 55 years, Reno has been the home to the only championship air races in the world,” remarked Bobbi Thompson, RARA’s VP of Strategic Planning. “I am very honored to join the Board and play a role the production of the STIHL National Championship Air Races, along with STIHL, the City of Reno, and all of our sponsors to continue to host this amazing event for air racing fans from all around the world.”

Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visitwww.airrace.org.

Tony Logoteta – Finance Manager

Tony Logoteta

Bobbi Thompson

 

 

RARA Announces NAHI Will Return in 2018

***NOTICE: Time Change for Episode Three *** Episode Three of the 2017 STIHL National Championship Air Races “Gold Races” to Air at new time on NBC Sports Network Saturday, April 21

National Championship Air Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2018

***NOTICE: TIME CHANGE FOR EPISODE THREE DUE TO NHL HOCKEY PLAYOFFS***

EPISODE THREE OF 2017 STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
AIR RACES
“GOLD RACES” TO AIR AT NEW TIME ON
NBC SPORTS NETWORK SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the final of three one-hour episodes of the 2017 STIHL National Championship Air Races will now air on NBC Sports Network in prime time on Sat., April 21, 2018, at 10:30 p.m. EDT, 7:30 p.m. PDT. The time change is due to the NHL Hockey Playoff game schedule.

The final episode titled “Gold Races” will now air on Saturday, April 21 from 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. EDT / 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network. After a week of heat races, the final Gold Races have been set in six classes of airplanes featuring the best pilots in the world, who will race three different closed course pylon tracks (3-mile, 5-mile, and 8-mile). Six different racing crews will call themselves National Champions at the end of the day in the fastest motorsport in the world.

“We are excited to partner with STIHL and NBC Sports to air these episodes of the 2017 event on television,” said Fred Telling, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the Reno Air Racing Association. “These shows are only possible because of the continued and generous sponsorship and support from STIHL, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and our other sponsors. Our excitement is building for this third episode and we look forward to tuning in with our fans across the country to relive race week all over again while greatly anticipating this year’s 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018.”

Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

 

Media Contact:           The Glenn Group

Mikaila Bird – [email protected]

775-686-7777

RARA Will Help Educate Youth About Aviation and Technology

Episode 2/3 of 2017 STIHL National Championship Air Races “YOU HAVE A RACE!” to air on NBC Sports Network SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the second of three one-hour episodes of the 2017 National Championship Air Races will air on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

The second show titled “You Have a Race!” will air on Sunday, April 8 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network. The fastest motorsport races in the world continue, see who will advance to the National Championship Gold races, and who takes the poll positions in six different classes of airplanes: Jet, Formula One, Sport, Biplane, T6 and the Unlimited Class. The best racing pilots in the world converge in Reno to battle on the only closed-pylon oval racecourse in the world.

“We are excited to partner with STIHL and NBC Sports to air the 2017 National Championship Air Races on television,” said Fred Telling, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the Reno Air Racing Association. “These shows are only possible because of the continued and generous sponsorship and support from STIHL, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and our other sponsors. The excitement is building in the racing community after watching Episode One last weekend, and we are looking forward to tuning in with our fans across the country and reliving race week while greatly anticipating this year’s 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled Sept. 12-16, 2018.”

Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled Sept. 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

RARA Will Help Educate Youth About Aviation and Technology

RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION SECURES LICENSE FOR 2018-2019 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has approved a new two-year licensing agreement extending through 2019.

“We are pleased to come to an agreement with the RTAA,” remarks RARA COO, Tony Logoteta. “The STIHL National Championship Air Races is the only event of its kind in the world, and 2018 marks the 55th year of this spectacular event in northern Nevada. It provides an economic impact of as much as $91.7 million annually and brings aviation enthusiasts to our area from around the world. We appreciate the continued partnership with the RTAA and look forward to hosting future events at Reno-Stead Airport.”

The 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races are scheduled for September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport and will host six different classes of airplanes: Jet, Formula One, Sport, Biplane, T6 and the Unlimited Class. The STIHL National Championship Air Races are the fastest motorsport races in the world and showcase the world’s best racing pilots battling on the only closed-pylon oval racecourse. The Patriots Jet Team will headline this year’s performers. The Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco from John Klatt Air Shows will perform aerobatics, along with the Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Truck. Demonstrations will also include the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-16 Heritage Flight.

Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.