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…

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 15, 2019) — The final day of race week began with the Welcoming Ceremonies, where the Reno Air Racing Association recognized Pete Law as the Person of the Year, the highest honor of the organization. In his six decades with the National Championship Air Races, “Secret Pete” worked with nearly every Unlimited Gold racer to fly the pylon course and is credited with being the humble yet brilliant man who helped make Unlimited Air Racing faster, safer and the most exciting racing spectacle in history. As they have for the last several years, RARA also recognized the Tuskegee…

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2019) — The STIHL National Championship Air Races continued on Saturday with exhilarating racing, incredible demonstrations, heart-thumping performances and heart-warming remembrances. Today was Herb Kelleher day and the legendary founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines was recognized for changing the course of aviation history by bringing affordable, friendly service to the airways. Sue Gardner was also recognized as the 2019 Chairman’s Award recipient. Her tireless work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and continuous advocacy for safe aviation events throughout the United States made her a clear choice for this year’s award. All six classes…

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 13, 2019) — Today, was Military Appreciation Day at the STIHL National Championship Air Races where active duty and veteran military members received free admission and Reno Air Racing Association staff passed out special pins to Vietnam veterans who were in attendance. General Jeannie M. Leavitt of the United States Air Force (USAF) performed a swearing in ceremony for cadets who took an oath for enlistment in the USAF. Gen. Leavitt was the first female fighter pilot and the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. There was an abundance of pride, patriotism and precision…