RENO, Nevada (January 26, 2022) – The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) launches its 21st Annual vintage aircraft competition, at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, by formally opening the application process for restored aircraft to compete for the acclaimed NEIL A. ARMSTRONG AVIATION HERITAGE TROPHY. The prestigious event is hosted by the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept 14-18, 2022. “The vintage aircraft competition, which was founded in 1998, has two primary goals; to encourage the preservation of our rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition and to help inspire our nation’s youth…
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Reno Air Racing Association Announces New Director of Operations, Welcomes New Board Member
RENO, Nev. (January 26, 2022) – The Reno Air Racing Association announces Chris Johnson as Director of Operations who has taken over following Terry Matter’s retirement from the position. The organization also welcomes new board member, William “Bill” Freeman. The 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races returned with a new face amongst the department heads. Chris Johnson, General Manager of Indian Hills General Improvement District, joined the Reno Air Racing Association as Director of Operations and successfully oversaw operations for the 2021 event. Johnson brings over 10 years of experience in airport and airshow management at the Minden-Tahoe Airport. Johnson…
Reno Air Racing Association Wins Platinum Industry Award
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 15, 2021) —The Reno Air Racing Association brought home a platinum Pinnacle Award in the Large Civilian Air Show category for its 2021 social media and influencer program. The award was given at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention last week in Las Vegas. The platinum level is the highest given in this category at the annual convention. The 2021 STIHL National Championships returned this year after being sidelined by the pandemic in 2020. New this year the Reno Air Racing Association introduced an influencer marketing program inviting key influencers to experience the Air Races…
Reno Air Racing Association Flight Scholarship Application Window Opens Dec. 1
RENO, Nev. (December 1, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the application window for its inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program will open Dec. 1, 2021. Supported in part by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., the program will provide up to ten scholarships initially to students aged 16–20. Fred Telling, CEO of RARA, stated that this is one of several initiatives in progress that are designed to add year-round depth and scope to the excitement and tradition of the annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. “We want to become more than just a…
Reno Air Racing Association Expands Donation Opportunities
RENO, Nev. (November 29, 2021) – With a successful 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races now in the books, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is turning its attention to extending its impact and preserving its legacy. COO Tony Logoteta shared that the organization is introducing a wider range of giving opportunities to help the not-for-profit deliver broader service to both aviation and the local community. “Our return to racing this year got us well down the road to recovery,” he said. “We still have work to do, but we are shifting our focus from survival to sustainability. Adding education…
Reno Air Racing Association Reports Successful 2021
RENO, Nev. (November 23, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that initial reporting indicates a successful return of the STIHL National Championship Air Races in 2021 after being forced to shutter in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Chairman and CEO Fred Telling is optimistic about the results of the storied contest. “I am pleased to report that we had a successful 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races,” he said in a recent statement. “From the standpoint of safety, we had no incidents or accidents, and from the financial side we were able to cover…
Microsoft Flight Simulator Launches STIHL National Championship Air Races Expansion
RENO, Nev. (November 22, 2021) – After more than 18 months of working closely with the teams at Microsoft and Asobo, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) celebrates the release of the Microsoft Flight Simulator: Reno Air Races expansion. “We are thrilled that Reno Air Races is the first large expansion of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Microsoft’s commitment to realism and accuracy is quite impressive, and it shows in the final product,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re so thankful for the pilots and owners who contributed to make this possible. This partnership brings amazing benefits…
Reno Air Racing Association Announces Scholarship Program
RENO, Nev. (September 16, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce its inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program in conjunction with this year’s 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races and Airshow. Supported by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., the program will provide up to ten scholarships initially to students. In addition to legendary racing, RARA is proud to be home to one of the largest STEM Education Discovery Zones in the country to inspire youth. In 2019, more than 7,200 school-aged children were introduced to the wonder of aviation through the exhibit’s STEM-based…
Competitors Announced for STIHL National Championship Air Races
RENO, Nev. (August 12, 2021) – The field is set for this year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races with 145 planes and 155 pilots racing for glory Sept. 15-19 just north of downtown Reno, Nev. Hours of preparation, certification and practice brings one of the largest fields of racers to the outdoor event. This year is the first year the field includes the event’s newest racing class, STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag, with an impressive 25 competitors looking to take home the first championship in the sport that has become a social media phenomenon. While the core of the…
Wings of Hope Announced as National Aviation Heritage Invitational Sponsor
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 9, 2021) – The STIHL National Championship Air Races and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) are proud to announce that Wings of Hope will sponsor this year’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy trophy at the invitational event held Sept. 15-19. “We are thrilled to have Wings of Hope join us this year as we usher in the 2021 National Aviation Heritage Invitational,” said Ken Perich, Chairman and Executive Director of NAHI. “With such an honorable mission their sponsorship means a great deal.” Wings of Hope is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization saving lives through the power of aviation….