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 Capitol building, a PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.

National Aviation Heritage Invitational
The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the Reno Air Races with skillfully restored vintage aircraft vying for the coveted grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. This year National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees Col. (ret.) Bud Anderson, a WWII Triple Ace; Dick Rutan, non-stop around the world record holder; and Robert “Hoot” Gibson, a Shuttle Astronaut and former Unlimited Reno Champion will be on-site at the “flying museum” located on the east end of the ramp. Mark Armstrong, son of Neil Armstrong, will be at the Sunday morning trophy presentation to award the championship trophy in his father’s name.

The Flightline Bar
New this year, race attendees can relax at the Flightline Bar which offers shaded seating, lawn games, a TapSnap photobooth and a full bar. Located next to the STOL pits, the new addition is open to all ticket-holding air race attendees.

Nevada Day – Wednesday, Sept. 11
All Nevada residents are invited to attend the Reno Air Races for just $5 on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Stead locals in zip codes 89506, 89508 and 89512 will get in free.

Military Appreciation Day – Friday, Sept. 13
Military Appreciation Day is on Friday, Sept.13. Active duty and veteran military members will receive free admission. Discounted tickets are available through race week for all military members, seniors and children under 12 years old.

2019 STIHL National Championship Schedule of Events:
Sunday, Sept. 8– Wednesday, Sept. 11: Race qualifying

Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Nevada Day: Morning race qualifying, afternoon heat races. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Thursday, Sept. 12 – Education Day: First full day of racing with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:25 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight. Vendors and tents open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Friday, Sept. 13 – Military Appreciation Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds practice show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Saturday, Sept. 14 – Herb Kelleher Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

Sunday, Sept. 15 – Championship Day: Full day of racing, opening ceremonies beginning at 10:20 a.m. Performance by Michael Wiskus, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations, the FA-18 Legacy Flight and the USAF Thunderbirds show. Vendors and exhibits open including NAHI, STEM Discovery Education Zone open and Flightline Bar.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races: 
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. The event is now part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors, a six-stop tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit AirRace.org.