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…

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 12, 2019) — The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races are officially underway with the first full day of racing complete. In addition to the heart-thumping racing, fans saw performances by Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight. It was also Education Day at the National Championship Air Races. More than 2,500 students were able to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Discovery Education Zone. Fans and students roamed through the pits speaking with pilots and checking out the amazing aircraft up close in the National Aviation Heritage…

RENO, Nev. (September 9, 2019) – The fastest motorsport in the world returns to the STIHL National Championship Air Races with family-fun including hands-on activities at the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone and a “flying museum” at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone The STEM Education Discovery Zone teaches children about aviation through hands-on projects and displays led by GRADD-NVBAA’s team of engineers, scientists and educators. This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, robotics including a robotic hydraulic arm, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State…

Reno, Nev. (Aug. 22, 2019) –This September 11–15 the high desert north of Reno will be home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots and crews for the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. The event boasts the fastest motorsport in the world with six race classes going head-to-head at speeds often exceeding 500 mph, as well as demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational featuring some of the country’s premier vintage aircraft. New this year are the STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations a combination of heart-pounding head-to-head racing, major horsepower and a little dirt….

Meet with some of the featured aviation legends at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15, 2019 RENO, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2019) —The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) is thrilled to return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev. this September. Come see skillfully restored vintage aircraft on the ramp as they compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy and meet some of aviation’s legends in person. In addition to featuring incredible vintage aircraft NAHI will continue its mission to keep aviation history alive with the release of limited-edition prints created by…

RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —As if featuring the world’s fastest motorsport wasn’t enough the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races will feature a jam-packed performance schedule filled with new additions and some returning event staples. The core of the event is the six racing classes – Unlimited, Jet, Sport, T-6, Formula One and Biplane – competing head-to-head at speeds exceeding 500 mph. With some incredible racing planned, event veterans will also see the return of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational and GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone. The performance lineup has been finalized: STOL Drag Racing Demonstration – September 12–15The world’s largest…

This year’s demonstration may lead to first new racing class in more than 20 years RENO, Nev. (July 16, 2019) —Combine heart pounding head-to-head racing with major horsepower and a little dirt and you’ve got the STOL Drag Racing Demonstration. Set to make its debut at the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept. 11-15 in Reno, Nev., organizers hope this year’s demonstration becomes a brand-new racing class in the future. “It’s like car drag racing meets aviation and it’s going to bring a whole new energy to the races in September,” said Kevin Quinn, president and founder of STOL Drag….