by admin | Jul 19, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (July 20, 2021) – To many the STIHL National Championship Air Races is about history with veteran race pilots returning each year to best their opponents. But for some pilots this is a fresh new way to test their skills. The Reno Air Racing Association’s Pylon Racing Seminar or “Rookie School” recently saw 24 students receive their certification to race this September.
“Seeing new racers discover the love of head-to-head air racing, mastering their skill and doing it all with our incredible veteran instructors makes for a fun week,” said Fred Telling CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The excitement for the races is building and we are looking forward to bringing the fans one of the best races and airshows we’ve ever had.”
PRS is required for rookies and open to certified racers to hone their skills. If a certified racer has not participated in PRS or the races in the last three years, they are required to re-certify to be able to race again.
This year’s seminar consisted of six days (two sessions) of intensive classroom instruction from experienced race pilots as well as extensive practice on the course. More than 80 participants attended this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar including students, certified racers returning to practice and instructors.
The 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races return Sept. 15–19, 221, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno, Nev. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor Demonstration, Tucker’s Air Patrol, Jim Peitz Aerosports, Tony Higa Airshows, the National Aviation Heritage Invitation and more.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Jul 7, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (July 7, 2021) – The National Aviation Heritage Invitation is honored to announce Sean D. Tucker as a trophy presenter this September. Held each year during the STIHL National Championship Air Races, the vintage aircraft competition will return September 15-19, 2021.
“We are delighted to have National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinee, Sean D. Tucker join us this year at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Sean has thrilled millions of fans with his awe-inspiring aerobatics for decades and has been an inspiration to many throughout his career.”
Tucker will join fellow NAHF Enshrinees, including World War II triple ace, Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson, decorated United States Air Force pilot and world-record-setting aviator, Dick Rutan and aviation pioneer Clay Lacy in presenting trophies to the category winners and the Grand Champion of this prestigious event. The Grand Champion aircraft is awarded the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy which resides in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia.
Tucker was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008. He is also the recipient of the Crystal Eagle Award, was an inductee at the 2001 USAF Gathering of Eagles, and in 2003 was named one of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s 25 Living Legends of Flight.
Tucker has been a mentor and an inspiration to those who seek to perfect their aerobatic skill. In addition, he has fostered and facilitated aviation education for students in the Central California area. He is an honorary member of the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Force Thunderbirds, The US Army Parachute Team, the Canadian Snowbirds and the Brazilian Smoke Squadron.
“Visitors to the NAHI display will be going back in time to see some of the most beautifully restored vintage aircraft in the world,” said Ken Perich, Chairman of NAHI. “It is a virtual walk-through history from the golden age of aviation to military aircraft of yesteryear.” Air race fans will have a chance to express their views by voting for the People’s Choice Award trophy sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian magazine. The Trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the airshow attendees.
“The NAHI judging criteria is consistent with the goals of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and emphasizes authenticity and attention to detail,” said Nelson Blankenship, Chief of Restorations for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
For more information about the National Aviation heritage Invitation or to enter the competition visit HeritageTrophy.com. Tickets are now on sale for the STIHL National Championship Air Races, visit airrace.org for more information.
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About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI)
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 preserve our nation’s rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition. In addition, NAHI work with the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to encourage students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry.
About the Reno Air Racing Association
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
Media ContactsNAHIConnie MayDirector – Communicationse-mail: [email protected]cell: 775-530-2297 Reno Air Racing AssociationNicole Latva – FoundryPublic Relations Manageremail: [email protected]
by admin | Apr 23, 2021 | Media
National Championship Air Races are scheduled for September 15–19, 2021
RENO, Nev. (April 23, 2021) – The STIHL National Championship Air Races are returning with an airshow lineup sure to impress. To complement the excitement of head-to-head air racing the Reno Air Racing Association has announced this year’s performers as well as the return of their title sponsor, STIHL Inc.
“We are excited to see live racing again, and proud to return as the title sponsor,” said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager of STIHL Inc. “There is no other event like this in the world, and we know that loyal fans and air racing enthusiasts around the world look forward to the return of the fastest motorsport on earth.”
STIHL, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, is known for power, precision and quality of engineering. They have has served as title sponsor since 2016.
The races will return September 15–19 with seven racing classes and a full slate of air show performers. Here’s what to expect:
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – Sept. 18 & 19
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. As the jets take to the skies and fly only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip, spectators will get a glimpse of the awesome skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess. Attendees on Friday, Sept. 17 will also be treated to a full 40-minute practice show.
F-22 Raptor Demonstration – Sept. 16-19
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers at airshows across the world to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. Now, the team has 19 total members to include public affairs and aircrew flight equipment technicians.
Tucker’s Air Patrol – Sept. 16-19
Eric Tucker’s aviation performance is a throwback to the glory days of barnstorming. His aircraft was built in 1941 and designed in the late twenties. Eric Tucker has flown in air shows across the world, in aircraft ranging from the J3 Cub to the Columbia 400. He will be performing two distinct acts. The first is an eight-minute Dead Stick Aerobatics Act, where he will intentionally halt the engine from a mile high in the sky, stop the propeller and glide safely to the ground. While soaring through the air to the roar of the crowd he will also perform loops, rolls, spins and hammerheads. The second act is a 15-minute Comedy Act and Car-Top Landing, spectators will have to see to believe.
Jim Peitz Aerosports – Sept. 16-19
Peitz will demonstrate the incredible capabilities of his specialized Bonanza with a wide range of aerobatic maneuvers including loops, point rolls, barrel rolls, snap rolls, Cuban eights, and hammerheads. Peitz has performed in a wide variety of airshow aircraft including eight years in a Christen Eagle, followed by a 14-year run in an Extra 300L, and now the F33C Beechcraft Bonanza for over 10 years. He is the recipient of the most prestigious award in the airshow industry, the International Council of Airshows Sword of Excellence.
Tony Higa Airshows – Sept. 16-19
Tony Higa is no stranger to the Reno Air Races, he’s been competing since 2003. This year he’ll be racing around the pylons as well as giving air race spectators a show of his aerobatic talents. In 2016 Higa made his airshow debut and is credentialed as an aerobatic pilot in a North American T6 Texan, SNJ and Harvard. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, Higa’s first trip to the U.S. was to watch the STIHL National Championship Air Races in person. Just four years later he made the move to the U.S. to pursue his dream of racing, becoming an aerobatic airshow pilot and to build his dream airplane which he is now flying today.
National Aviation Heritage Invitational – Sept. 15-19
The premiere vintage aircraft competition, also known as NAHI, will shine up the ramp with some of the finest vintage aircraft in the country vying for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. NAHI, presented by Perform Air International, was established more than two decades ago at the National Championship Air Races by Rolls-Royce, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Applications are due Aug. 15 at HeritageTrophy.com. Participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited.
Tickets are now on sale for the STIHL National Championship Air Races. More information can be found at AirRace.org or on the Reno Air Races Facebook page.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
*”Number one selling brand” is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2020 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
by admin | Mar 29, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (March 29, 2021) – Tickets for the 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races will be available beginning Wednesday, April 7. Following a year delay the world’s fastest motorsport returns to the Reno skies for the 57th time September 15-19, 2021.
“When we made the decision to cancel the 2020 races our team was disappointed but not deterred. We were determined to find a safe way to bring air racing back to Reno and have spent the last several months planning for 2021 and beyond,” said Fred Telling, CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA.) “We are ready to safely and responsibly host another race week in Reno and celebrate the legacy that has kept us inspired and motivated during this year of challenges.”
The world-renowned event, sidelined last year by the global pandemic, will open ticket sales to the general public April 7. Fans can expect a new, more seamless online ticketing platform and updated refund policies.
“Last year forced us to step back and evaluate many aspects of our event including the ticket refund policy,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “Ticket sales will be essential to helping us make this year’s event a success and to ease concerns about another cancelation or postponement we will be offering full refunds for any ticket purchased by May 31 in the event of a cancellation.”
Planning for the September 2021 event is currently underway. The Reno Air Racing Association will be following all local health and safety guidelines, more details about onsite policies and updates will be announced in the coming months.
As a non-profit, RARA relies on donations in addition to ticket sales, sponsorships and other direct income from the annual event and is asking for the community’s continued support.
“We can’t thank our community enough for rallying to help us raise enough money to move forward with this year’s event,” said Logoteta. “Their generosity enabled us to start planning for 2021 but we have a way to go to be on solid footing for the future. This year’s early ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and other upcoming fundraisers are more important than ever to help preserve the legacy of the event.”
All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at AirRace.org or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-514-3849 ahead of the event.
For rolled over or renewed tickets please see the FAQ on the website. Upcoming announcements for ticket sales, performers and more can be found on AirRace.org or on the Reno Air Races Facebook page.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Jan 15, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (January 15, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that following the successful “Save The Races” fundraising campaign that ran from Nov. 13–Dec. 31, 2020 the National Championship Air Races will be returning for its 57th year Sept. 15–19, 2021 pending COVID-19 restrictions.
“After canceling the 2020 event we found ourselves with a significant financial loss that we knew would be a tremendous challenge to overcome, but with the support of the air racing community, the RARA Board of Directors and STOL pilot Trent Palmer we were able to raise over $460,000 of our $500,000 goal,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “With the evolving health situation we will continue to follow the guidelines set by officials and are optimistic that by September we will have the resources needed to ensure the show is both safe to attend and can deliver on the exceptional experience the National Championship Air Races are known for.”
By nearly reaching the $500,000 goal RARA will be able to make adjustments and resume the planning process for the event while still moving forward with new fundraising opportunities to make up the difference.
“We are thrilled to bring the air races back to Reno and reunite our September family,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “While we still need to bridge the financial gap and have a lot of work ahead of us it’s nice to have something to look forward to after such a difficult year. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and are committed, as always, to putting on a spectacular event in 2021.”
As a non-profit, RARA relies on donations in addition to the ticket sales, sponsorships and other direct income from the annual event and are asking for the community’s continued support. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at AirRace.org or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.
Upcoming announcements for ticket sales, performers and more can be found on AirRace.org or on the Reno Air Races Facebook page.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Nov 13, 2020 | Media
Organization looking to raise $500,000 by year end
RENO, Nev. (November 13, 2020) – After the heartache of canceling the 2020 National Championship Air Races due to COVID-19 the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is determined to bring the world’s fastest motorsport back to the high desert of Northern Nevada in 2021, but it won’t be possible without additional support. RARA, a charitable 501(c)3, is asking for help by launching a fundraising campaign to “Save The Races” with the goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year.
“Canceling was not a decision that was made lightly, and the repercussions have been significant both fiscally and emotionally. We greatly missed our September Family but safety and following Nevada’s restrictions on gathering size unquestionably had to be our priority as we sought to preserve the long-term viability of the Reno Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “We are doing everything in our power to make next year happen but we can’t do it alone. We’re asking our fans and supporters to help show 2020 that it won’t get the best of us, that we will continue the legacy of this event for many years to come.”
Going into 2020, RARA already faced challenges as cost increases outpaced income. While the 2019 event was successful with great racing, performers and increased non-local attendance the organization still experienced a significant financial loss, largely due to an unexpected increase in insurance premiums of $160,000. While the association had budgeted accordingly for 2020, any opportunity to recover was completely cut off by COVID-19 and instead the issue was compounded.
No event meant no income. Without ticket sales, only expenses were left. The organization did receive some federal aid which was used to retain staff and cover operating costs during the shutdown in May and June when hosting an event in 2020 was still anticipated.
After evaluating the 2020 numbers and gearing up for planning next year’s event, RARA is still facing a significant shortfall. They were hopeful that the release of a video message, individual donations, additional federal aid and the call to either roll-over or donate 2020 tickets would provide the necessary income. While about 12% of the ticket proceeds were donated and regular donations did increase, it has unfortunately not been enough.
“We did not want to make this kind of plea as we know this has been a trying time for so many, but the uncertainty we face has left us without other options,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “After announcing the cancellation, we made the difficult decision to reduce staff by 75%, while also extending cost cutting measures and exploring creative fundraising and marketing opportunities, but there is still a pretty large gap between where we are and where we need to be.”
Now, RARA is seeking a path forward. The association will need to fill some essential staff positions by January or February to pick up planning for an event in 2021, a task not easily handled by the current team of two.
“We are absolutely moving forward planning for the return of the races, but I’m not sure the gravity of our situation is widely understood so we are being completely candid and asking for help,” said Telling.
Telling has served as CEO in a volunteer capacity since 2018 to help with some of the non-profit’s financial needs.
“We took on a big challenge and ran a tight ship over the last two years,” said Telling. “We’ve made significant strides that wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated board and more than a thousand volunteers who selflessly donate their time, but all of the financial progress was lost this year.”
Also lost this year was the $100 million in total economic impact generated by the event to the Reno-Tahoe region, which has been hit especially hard by the cancellation of dozens of large events.
Though RARA needs to generate more than $1 million to be on sound footing for the longer term, the association is looking to raise $500,000 by the end of the year. Without it the 57th National Championship Air Races are in jeopardy.
“The funds raised have carried us this far, but it is not enough to get us through the end of this year and into the beginning of our planning season,” said Logoteta. “We are in need of new income to make the necessary investments for an event in 2021.”
RARA is launching a fundraising campaign to raise the money in addition to efforts already underway including the sale of a small hangar, a series of upcoming online auctions and sponsorship opportunities.
The initial funds will be used to hire critical staff and begin to pay for the ongoing costs necessary to produce the large-scale event whose mission is to celebrate and preserve air racing’s rich history, while honoring military and inspiring youth. A fundraiser has been set up to help reach this goal which can be found at airrace.org/save-the-races/. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.
Next year’s National Championship Air Races are scheduled for Sept. 15–19. More information can be found at AirRace.org.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The 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 $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
