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….

RENO, Nev. (June 4, 2019) —Former Hot August Nights executive director, Tony Marini, is lending his expertise to another major Reno event – the STIHL National Championship Air Races. The Reno Air Racing Association announced today that Marini has joined its board of directors. “Tony will be an enormous asset,” said Fred Telling, Reno Air Racing Association chairman and chief executive officer. “I am impressed with his experience and deep commitment to the local community. The entire board looks forward to working with him on the 2019 races.” For the last several years Marini has served as director of casino…

RENO, Nev. (May 24, 2019) —The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has approved to extend the event license agreement through 2020. The rolling two-year agreement will continue to renew annually. “The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is proud to continue its long-term relationship with the historic Reno Air Racing Association,” Marily Mora, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, said. “The races are more than a tradition, they are an iconic aviation event known worldwide. We look forward to working with the RARA team in 2019 and 2020.” The licensing agreement ensures the STIHL National…

Reno Air Racing Association recently hired two new staff members. Seonga McNeal joins as event services and communications coordinator and Larri Picker fills the position of executive assistant and human resources. “In their short time here, Seonga and Larri have already made significant contributions to the organization,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “They have jumped in with both feet, displayed a positive attitude, and we are very happy to have them on our team.” Seonga McNealA graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism, Seonga is a Reno native with more than a decade of experience in…

The STEM Discovery Zone returns this September RENO, Nev. (May 8, 2019) —The STIHL National Championship Air Races’ free annual GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. Educators and those interested in bringing youth to the free STEM learning hub are encouraged to sign up soon. “The STEM Discovery Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are…