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 Championship Air Races continues to have licensing secured for two years at a time.

“We have a long-standing relationship with RTAA which enables us to put on this one-of-a-kind event here in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, Chief Operational Officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The wonderful cultural, economic and educational benefit that the region enjoys as a result of the event would not be possible without this collaboration.” 

In addition to licensing the RTAA has made upgrades to the Reno-Stead Airport, home of the STIHL National Championship Air Races. In 2018, runway 8/26 was repaved improving the takeoff and landing surface. Recently the airport authority gave the tower a facelift with new paint and are in the process of repaving and upgrading roads that race attendees will be able to enjoy this September.

“We are deeply appreciative of the continued investments RTAA has made in the Stead airport,” said Fred Telling, Chief Executive Officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We look forward to expanding our community partnerships and continuing to build the excitement in Reno for this year’s 56th STIHL National Championship Air Races.” 

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns Sept. 11–15, 2019, just 20 minutes north of Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motor sport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit AirRace.org.

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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 have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. 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 www.airrace.org.