RENO, Nev. (Sept. 13, 2019) — Today, was Military Appreciation Day at the STIHL National Championship Air Races where active duty and veteran military members received free admission and Reno Air Racing Association staff passed out special pins to Vietnam veterans who were in attendance.

General Jeannie M. Leavitt of the United States Air Force (USAF) performed a swearing in ceremony for cadets who took an oath for enlistment in the USAF. Gen. Leavitt was the first female fighter pilot and the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. There was an abundance of pride, patriotism and precision on display when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took to the skies for a 40-minute practice session over the Stead airfield. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at the STIHL National Championship Air Races on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 at approximately 3 p.m. each day.

Race fans also had the opportunity to walk around a display of dozens of active military aircraft that showcase America’s military might and airpower superiority.

And of course the day was filled with racing in all six classes of aircraft along with performances from Jim Pietz, Commemorative Air Force, STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations and the FA-18 Legacy Flight.

Friday’s Race Results:

Unlimited Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Unlimited.html

Jet Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Jet.html

Sport Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Sport.html

T6 Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.T6.html

Formula One Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.FormulaOne.html

Biplane Class Results: http://reports.airrace.org/2019/2019.Biplane.html

The 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races is currently underway just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as six racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, world-renowned aerobatic performer Rob Holland 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 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.