STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class will reschedule RENO, Nev. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Due to thick smoke blanketing the Reno-Tahoe area Saturday’s Jet Class flyby has been postponed to a later date. “Many members of our team are from out of the area and are unable to fly in due to the smoke, that coupled with the potential that the smoke may still be here Saturday has forced us  to postpone the flyby,” said Jeff Turney, Jet Class past President and founding member of jet racing at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. “Our team is still determined…

STIHL National Championship Air Races Jet Class Plan Flyby in Reno, Sparks and Carson City RENO, Nev. (Sept. 10, 2020) – In any other year, members of the Jet Class would be racing, head-to-head around the pylons at Reno-Stead Airport. And while the races were canceled this year due to COVID-19 concerns, members of the Jet Class are gathering for a flyby as a nod to the local community and their “September family.” “This has been a tough year and even though the races are cancelled we wanted to find a way to let the community know we were thinking…

Reno Air Racing Association Sets Sights on 2021 Event  RENO, Nev. (June 26, 2020)– The Reno Air Racing Association has announced the cancellation of the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races originally scheduled for Sept. 16–20.  The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors reiterated their principal concern for the safety and health of all involved and in light of continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and government-imposed restrictions for large scale events has decided to turn all efforts to 2021.  “This decision was not made lightly. It’s difficult to capture the sadness we feel for our September Family who we…

RENO, Nev. (April 17, 2020) – The annual “Rookie School” for the STIHL National Championship Air Races has been rescheduled for Sept. 9–12, 2020. The Reno Air Racing Association’s Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) was previously scheduled for June 10–13. “Notwithstanding the initial signs of progress in the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that the safety and health of our racers, their crews, our volunteers and staff are paramount and that rescheduling these training and recurrent practice sessions to September is in everyone’s best interests,” said Fred Telling, CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association.  “The uncertainty surrounding the safety of…

A message to our Air Racing community. Like you, we’re closely following the developments around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We’ve seen many events canceled and businesses closed in an effort to keep our communities safe. We’re grateful for all of the medical professionals and first responders who are working non-stop during this unprecedented time, and are optimistic that these efforts will help see us through this difficult challenge. We are closely monitoring the pandemic, and are exploring every option to put on a safe event. As of April 14 we are cautiously optimistic that we will be having the event in September…

RENO, Nev. (February 5, 2020) —For the first time ever the country’s newest fighter jet will take to the Reno, Nev. skies at the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races. Fans will see America’s Airmen display the skill, capabilities and technology of the F-35A Lightning II. The one-of-a-kind event returns Sept. 16–20, 2020 with head-to-head air racing, civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food, drink and plenty of vendors to peruse.  “Fans are in for a real treat this year. We are thrilled to feature the full demonstration of the F-35,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA Chief Operating Officer….

International Council of Air Shows recognizes event for PR and Social Media RENO, Nev. (January 14, 2020) —The Reno Air Racing Association, the governing body of the STIHL National Championship Air Races, was recently honored at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas. The organization won a gold Pinnacle award for 2019 public relations and social media in the Large Civilian Air Show category. “To be recognized by our peers for the progress the team made during the last year is a distinct honor,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer for the Reno Air Racing Association….

RENO, Nev. (October 14, 2019) —Longtime Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Event Specialist, Sue Gardner, has been elected to the Reno Air Racing Association board of directors. Gardner served as the FAA’s national aviation events specialist from 2000 to 2005, and again from 2013 to her retirement in 2018. Over the years, she worked diligently to improve the FAA’s overall role in aviation events. “Sue has been essential in helping us create a thriving and safe event for all of our pilots, fans and volunteers,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We…

National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees joined presenting sponsor Perform Air International in awarding the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong National Aviation Heritage Trophy to the: 1931 WACO QCF – Owned by Chris Galloway of Woodland, California Winners in other categories: CLASSIC:  Paul E. Garber trophy:  1952 Cessna 195 owned by Bela Havasreti of Kent, Washington ANTIQUE:  Orville and Wilbur Wright trophy: 1936 Stinson SR-8B – owned by David Lunsford of Bayfield, Colorado MILITARY:  Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold trophy: 1945 Piper L4J – owned by Ken Schmitt of Springfield, Oregon. LARGE:      Herb Kelleher trophy: 1939 Grumman Goose – owned by Gary…