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 gatherings over ten people as well as travel restrictions in less than two months has led us to proactively adjust our plans to provide the participants time to adjust theirs.”
By moving PRS to early September, just prior to the planned 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races, organizers hope the burden on the new racers and those who return to practice is diminished and they will have more time to assess the situation as it evolves.
For pilots interested in PRS, the Reno Air Racing Association is extending the deadline for applications and all documents to June 30. Applications for the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races will be available June 15 and should be submitted by July 15.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races, set for Sept. 16–20, are just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. For more information visit AirRace.org or call (775) 972-6663.
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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 seven 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. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.