News

Air Race News

Press Release (9.17.23)

It is with great sorrow that the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announces that around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, at the conclusion of the T-6 Gold race, upon landing, two planes collided and it has been confirmed that both pilots are deceased. The RARA Board of Directors and the T-6 class president are working to notify next of kin and ensure families have all of our support. There were no civilian injuries and we’re in the process of confirming additional details around the incident. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available. All racing operations are currently…

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“Mists of Stead” – a poem by Zachary Boyd

The Air Races have been fortunate to garner support and fandom from countless people over the years, and we are grateful for all the ways that love has been shown. But every now and then something extra special comes along that needs to be appreciated a little bit more. Zach Boyd is as loyal air racing fan who has been attending the event since he was 3. He’s been “dazzled at the sights and sounds of the planes battling overhead” and he hopes and prays “that the races will find a new venue once again…so that the future generations will…

Air Race News

2023 Racing Lineup Announced!

Thank you for tuning into the announcement we’ve all been waiting for – the full racer lineup for the 2023 National Championship Air Races! Below you’ll find details about who will be taking to the skies for the Final Flag at Reno Stead Airport, September 13-17. Please note that, to our great disappointment, the Biplanes will not be able to race this year. Among those that are in the mix, you’ll find some fresh faces, as well as some EPIC returns. This show will not only be memorable because it’s the last in Reno, but also because of the tremendous matchups…

Air Race News

Jimmy Cassidy, Ramp Chief, retires after 17 years

After an incredible 46 years with the RARA Towing Group, 17-year Ramp Chief veteran Jimmy Cassidy is retiring from the National Championship Air Races. Cassidy’s exceptional leadership as Ramp Chief included: Jim has always been a complete team player, committed to ensuring that his team safely accomplished its responsibilities. A year-round contributor to RARA’s complex requirements, he was always available to assist with the planning needs essential to successful execution of the yearly Pylon Racing Seminar and the National Championship Air Races. Cassidy’s friendly personality and reputation for quick and knowledgeable action have earned him much respect from the racers…

Air Race News

John Melarkey, Chief Pylon Judge, retires after 56 years

It’s with great pride and sadness that we announce that Mr. John Melarkey, Chief Pylon Judge for the Reno Air Racing Association, has retired following a remarkable tenure of service to RARA. A long-standing pillar of the Air Racing community here in Reno, John has been a volunteer in the Pylon Judge group for 56 years.  John spent the last 22 years as the Chief Pylon Judge and through this role he brought leadership, expertise, and encouragement that very few people could match. He challenged the team to take on new roles within the races such as adding additional flight…

Air Race News

A Future Home Awaits

We’re looking for a new home for the National Championship Air Races and want ideas from our air race family and beyond to help make it possible. While we’re hoping for a lot, we absolutely need the following in terms of airport, venue and regional impact: If you need more information or want to submit a proposal, please click the button below. Have additional ideas, thoughts or notions of things we should include or look for in our next home? Leave us a note at [email protected].

Air Race News, Media, Scholarships

RARA 2023 Flight Training Scholarship Winners Announced

RENO, NEV.  – Earlier this month, Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) proudly announced the 2023 recipients of the second annual Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) program. “’Racing for the Future’ is more than just a saying – it’s a mindset our association has in order to facilitate the future of aviation in our local youth,” said Fred Telling, Reno Air Racing Association CEO. “Through these scholarships, we can continue to foster a love for aviation while helping to ‘STEM’ the pilot shortage. We’re thankful for the Ray Foundation and the gifts from various donors for helping us make this scholarship program…

Air Race News

General Ticketing Opens March 22nd

Ticketing will open to the general public for the last National Championship Air Races at Stead Field this Wednesday, March 22nd at 8AM PT. We will have ongoing announcements about our active search for a new home for the National Championship Air Races, but for sure you’ll want to be there for this year as we close nearly six decades at Stead. Please visit airrace.org for the latest information on all of our ticketing options. We will be implementing dynamic ticketing this year, so prices will increase as we get closer to the event. Prices will be the lowest possible when…

Air Race News, Media

VOTE for NCAR in the USA Today 10 Best Airshows Poll!

The National Championship Air Races has once again been nominated in the 2023 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards! An expert panel selected the National Championship Air Races as a contender for Best Air Show, which just launched. The contest gives voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice, and a person can vote once a day for the run of the contest. Even though our cherished event is having its last races this September in Reno, we’d like to let the world know how much we all love the Reno Air Races, so please visit the link below EVERY…