On Sunday afternoon, around 2:15 p.m., veteran pilots of the T-6 class, Nick Macy and Chris Rushing passed after the T-6 Gold race had ended. Both individuals were longtime participants and staunch supporters of the event and we are heartbroken over this loss. While the incident happened just outside of the race course, it did not involve any civilians or residential buildings. As is always the case, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are handling the investigation into the crash but we do know that this was not related to racing and happened in the…

The Reno Air Racing Association is heartbroken to announce that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, two members of our racing family, Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, passed away in a landing accident. Both expertly skilled pilots and Gold winners in the T-6 Class, Macy piloted Six-Cat and Rushing flew Baron’s Revenge. Families of both pilots have been notified and support services are onsite as they deal with this tragedy. There were no civilian casualties and RARA is doing everything we can to support the families and friends of the involved pilots. After conversations with the families and with the race…

It is with great sorrow that the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announces that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased. The RARA Board of Directors and the T-6 class president are working to notify next of kin and ensure families have all of our support. There were no civilian injuries and we’re in the process of confirming additional details around the incident. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available. All racing operations are currently…

Thank you for tuning into the announcement we’ve all been waiting for – the full racer lineup for the 2023 National Championship Air Races! Below you’ll find details about who will be taking to the skies for the Final Flag at Reno Stead Airport, September 13-17. Please note that, to our great disappointment, the Biplanes will not be able to race this year. Among those that are in the mix, you’ll find some fresh faces, as well as some EPIC returns. This show will not only be memorable because it’s the last in Reno, but also because of the tremendous matchups…

After an incredible 46 years with the RARA Towing Group, 17-year Ramp Chief veteran Jimmy Cassidy is retiring from the National Championship Air Races. Cassidy’s exceptional leadership as Ramp Chief included: Jim has always been a complete team player, committed to ensuring that his team safely accomplished its responsibilities. A year-round contributor to RARA’s complex requirements, he was always available to assist with the planning needs essential to successful execution of the yearly Pylon Racing Seminar and the National Championship Air Races. Cassidy’s friendly personality and reputation for quick and knowledgeable action have earned him much respect from the racers…

It’s with great pride and sadness that we announce that Mr. John Melarkey, Chief Pylon Judge for the Reno Air Racing Association, has retired following a remarkable tenure of service to RARA. A long-standing pillar of the Air Racing community here in Reno, John has been a volunteer in the Pylon Judge group for 56 years.  John spent the last 22 years as the Chief Pylon Judge and through this role he brought leadership, expertise, and encouragement that very few people could match. He challenged the team to take on new roles within the races such as adding additional flight…

We’re looking for a new home for the National Championship Air Races and want ideas from our air race family and beyond to help make it possible. While we’re hoping for a lot, we absolutely need the following in terms of airport, venue and regional impact: If you need more information or want to submit a proposal, please click the button below. Have additional ideas, thoughts or notions of things we should include or look for in our next home? Leave us a note at [email protected].