by admin | Aug 21, 2018 | Media
Racers Announced for the 55th STIHL National Championship Air Races
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated racing lineup for the 55th STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport.
The event will feature six racing classes including Unlimited, Jet, Sport, T6, Formula One and Biplane, with speeds reaching over 500 miles per hour. Defending Gold champions returning this year include Rick Vandam flying American Spirit in the Jet Class, Jeff Lavelle flying Race 39 in the Sport Class, John Lohmar flying Radial Velocity in the T6 Class, Lowell Slatter flying Fraed Naught in the Formula One Class and Andrew Buehler flying Phantom in the Biplane Class.
Returning to Reno this year following long absences in the Unlimited Class are Brent Hisey flying Miss America, Mike Brown flying Goldfinger (formerly Risky Business) and Lady B, previously known as Bardahl Miss, will be flown by Michael Pfleger. Graeme Frew, flying Full Noise is returning to Reno for the second year in a row from New Zealand, and for the first time in decades a P63 Kingcobra will round the pylons at Reno.
“This is an exciting lineup of talented pilots flying beautiful planes, and we expect to see some close and competitive racing in all of the classes,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA COO. “We are really looking forward to welcoming back some teams that haven’t been to Reno in years and also seeing all of the members of this passionate racing community that follow our one-of-kind event.”
In the Unlimited class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Brant Seghetti – Blondie
Brent Hisey – Miss America
Curt Brown – Sawbones
Dan Vance – Speedball Alice
Dennis Sanders – Eagle’s Wings
Graeme Frew – Full Noise
Jim “JD” Dale – Pretty Polly
JP Thibodeau – Crusader
Joel Swager – Dreadnought
Mark Watt – 924G
Michael Pfleger – Lady B
Mike Brown – Goldfinger
Rob Gordon – Lady Jo
Sherman Smoot – Argonaut
Tom Nightingale – Bunny
Pace Plane: Steve Hinton – T33-Pace
Alternate Pace: Kevin Eldridge
Safety: Robert Patterson – Wee Willy
Alternate Pilots:
Joe Thibodeau
Mark Moodie |
In the Jet class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Alexandre Eckmann – Race 37
Bob McCormack – Athena
Charlie Camilleri – Blue Ice
J. Kevin Roll – Miss Independence
Jeff Turney – Robin 1
Jim Beyer – Poky
Joe Gano – Sluggo
Lachie Onslow – Drop Bear
Larry Labriola – Sarance
Nathan Harnagel – Realty Czech
Pete Stavrides – American Patriot
Peter A. Zaccagnino – Just Lucky
Rick Vandam – American Spirit
Scott Farnsworth – Dash Force One
Vicky Benzing – Darkstar II
Zachary McNeill – Invictus
Pace Plane: Jay Obernolte – The Mistress
Alternate Pilots:
Doug Matthews
Michael Pfleger
Michael Stieger
In the Sport class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Abe Gaskins – Under Dog
Andrew Findlay – One Moment
Bob Mills – Mojo
Chiwami Takagi-Read – Legacy
Dan West – Whiskey Tango
Dave Morss – Martins Legacy
David Robinson – Desert Lightning
David Sterling – No Name
Elliot Seguin – Wasabinought
Ernie O. Sutter – Jus Pass’n Thru
George Catalano – Bigger Dingo
James Stringer – Rocket Six
Jason Rovey – Sport 76
Jeff Lavelle – Race 39
Jessy Panzer – Cruse Missile
Jim Rust – Race 24
John Flanagan – Greenstreak
Karl Grove – GA 1
Kirk Murphy – Papa’s Ride
Lee Ulrich – General Lee
Louis Gabriel – Blind Luck
Marc Frederickson – Tenacity
Mathias Haid – Clas Thunder I
Matt Beaubien – Low Motion
Neil Wischer – Triple 8
Olivier Langeard – Zebulon
Paul Downing – Sport 36
Peter A. Zaccagnino – Coming In Hot
Peter Balmer – Swiss Thunder
Scott Prewitt – Phantom Rocket
Sean Vanhatten – Havoc
Skylor Piper – Miss Ruby S.
Tom McNerney – Unleashed
Tommy Ishii – Yellow Fever
Vicky Benzing – Lucky Too
Vince Walker – Modo Mio
Pace Planes:
Bob Mills – El Toro
Rick Vandam – Phoenix
Alternate Pace Pilots:
Kevin Eldredge
Mark Johnson
Michael Stieger
Alternate Pilots:
Dan Ballin
Jay Adams
In the T-6 class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Bill Muszala – Miss Ellaneous
Chris LeFave – Bare Essentials
Chris Rushing – Barons Revenge
Dennis Buehn – Midnight Miss III
Eric Woelbing – Miss TNT
Gene McNeely – Baby Boomer
Greg McNeely – Undecided
John Lohmar – Radial Velocity
Lee Oman – Eros
Michael Pfleger – Miss Informed
Nick S. Macy – Six-Cat
Pete Stavrides – Gotcha!
Ralph J. Rina – Miss Humboldt Hunny
Vic McMann – Gunslinger
Vitaly Pecherskyy – Abracadabra
William Walker III – Big Red
Pace Plane: Rick Siegfried – T6 Pace
Alternate Pilots:
Joey “Gordo” Sanders
Kevin Sutterfield
Mike Scott
Rob Sanberg
In the Formula One class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Anders Trygg – Miss Eve
Casey Erickson – ACME Special
Jason Barksdale – Tony the Tiger
Jerry Marshall – Tumbleweed
Jim Jordan – Miss Min
Joseph Clark – Sonic Zoom
Justin Meaders – Limitless
Justin Phillipson – No Strings Attached
Justin Phillipson – Sleeper
Kent Jackson – Once More
Lio V. Mougel – Hysteria
Lowell Slatter – Fraed Naught
Matthew Coughlin – Judy
Merce Marti – Heat Stroke
Paul Newman – Fast and Easy
Philip Goforth – Annie
Rob Michie – Sassy Sangoma
Ross Killin – The Kraken
Ryszard Zadow – Last Lap Player
Scott Holmes – Outlaw
Steve Senegal – Endeavor
Steve Temple – Outrageous
Steve Tumlin – Feisty
Alternate Pilot:
Swaid Rahn
In the Biplane class, the following racers are scheduled to participate:
Alan Hoover – There Be Dragons
Andrew Buehler – Mistress
Andrew Buehler – Phantom
Anthony Oshinuga – Black Hawk
Casey Erickson – The Batplane
Eric Zine – Yellow Fever
Jeffrey Lo – Miss Dianne
Jeff Rose – Second Hand
John A. D’Alessandris – RB Special
Marie-Claire Laberge – The Yellow Bomber
Robert Austen – FReaKY
Sam Swift – Smokin’ Hot
Scott McDonald – Christen EagleTommy Suell – PlaneJunkies
“Tony” Minoru Higa – Tango Tango
Alternate Pilots:
Brian Hoover
Kevin Harper
Scott Thomson
Racing qualifications for all classes will start on Sunday, September 9th at 8:00 a.m. and end on Wednesday, September 12th. Racing will begin the afternoon of Wednesday, September 12th. Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, to purchase tickets or to volunteer, visit https://airrace.org/.
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About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Aug 13, 2018 | Media
Reno Air Racing Association Announces New Deputy Director of Operations and Deputy Air Bosses for the STIHL National Championship Air Races
-Scheduled for September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport-
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce Mike O’Brien as Deputy Director of Operations, Walter A. “Tony” Grady Jr. Deputy Air Boss of Race Operations and Owen Ashurst as the Deputy Air Boss of Performers for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport. O’Brien will report to Terry Matter, Director of Operations and Secretary of the RARA Board, and Tony and Owen will report to Greg “Shifty” Peairs, RARA Air Boss.
Beginning his aviation career in 1972, Mike O’Brien has flown a variety of aircraft and missions all over the world. He has over 25 years of senior corporate and operations management, and in 1986 he moved his international helicopter operations and aerospace product development to Reno. Since moving to Reno, Mike has spent a considerable amount of time in the Air Race hangar as a volunteer for the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“Mike brings with him extensive knowledge in the aviation and aerospace industry,” remarks Terry Matter. “He is very experienced working with the FAA and has an understanding of major modifications to airplanes and airplane flight safety requirements which will greatly contribute to the operations during race week.”
Tony Grady is a decorated Air Force command pilot and an experienced test pilot with over 5,000 flying hours in 40 different aircraft and has been flying since 1977. After retiring from the military in 1997, Tony was hired by FedEx as an MD-11 Captain, a DC-10 Second Officer and an MD-11 First Officer until he retired in December of 2017.
Owen has been a pylon judge at the STIHL National Championship Air Races since 2002 after serving as a Docent for Seattle’s Museum of Flight for over ten years. Over the years his position with the STIHL National Championship Air Races has shifted from Pylon Judge to Deputy Chief Pylon Judge and now Deputy Air Boss of the performers. He has extensive experience as an Air Boss including overseeing Seafair in Seattle.
“We are so grateful to have such experienced people in these Deputy Air Boss positions,” remarked Greg “Shifty” Peairs. “Owen is regarded as an expert Air Boss in the field as he has ensured compliance and safety for many other airshows around the country. Tony is a decorated retired veteran and experienced pilot, and we are thrilled to have his skills, aviation knowledge and attention to detail added to the Deputy Air Boss position.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit https://airrace.org/.
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About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | May 9, 2018 | Media
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that it has expanded its Board of Directors and welcomes two new local members, Tony Logoteta and Bobbi Thompson following the vote at the April 26 Board Meeting.
“We are so fortunate to have Tony and Bobbi joining the Board. Beyond their day-to-day operational expertise, they bring local ties, management and aviation experience to enhance the planning of the STIHL National Championship Air Races and continue the great tradition of this one-of-a-kind event which annually brings $91 million economic impact to the local economy,” says Fred Telling, CEO of RARA and Chairman of the Board.
Tony Logoteta is the current COO of RARA and has extensive knowledge of the business operations and logistical details that go into producing the STIHL National Championship Air Races (NCAR).
“I’m humbled by the invitation to join the RARA Board of Directors and look forward to helping this event and organization in any way I can. I love this city, and I’ve always appreciated what this event does for our region. The STIHL National Championship Air Races is a marquee event that has brought national and international exposure to Reno for over five decades, and I’m excited to be a part of its continued growth into the future,” says Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA.
Bobbi Thompson was hired as VP of Strategic Planning for RARA and also currently serves as the Airport Manager at Minden Airport and COO of ABS Aviation. She has over 35 years of experience producing air shows around the United States and Central America.
“For the past 55 years, Reno has been the home to the only championship air races in the world,” remarked Bobbi Thompson, RARA’s VP of Strategic Planning. “I am very honored to join the Board and play a role the production of the STIHL National Championship Air Races, along with STIHL, the City of Reno, and all of our sponsors to continue to host this amazing event for air racing fans from all around the world.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.
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About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visitwww.airrace.org.
Tony Logoteta
Bobbi Thompson
by admin | May 7, 2018 | Air Race News
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) will be participating as a vendor at “The Biggest Little Birthday” Reno 150 Celebration at Greater Nevada Field on Wednesday, May 9 from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
RARA will display a race plane and have a booth at the event where discounted General Admission tickets will be available for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“We are excited to be participating in Reno’s 150th birthday celebration,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate this great city, talk to our community about the upcoming STIHL National Championship Air Races and offer our local fans a discount on General Admission tickets.”
“The Biggest Little Birthday” will begin with a number of activities, including performances by Young Chautauqua and the Wolf Pack Marching Band, interactive displays of Reno Police and Fire Vehicles, a Reno Rodeo Chuck Wagon, Burning Man Art Car – The Fjorgyn, antique vehicles, a Reno Air Racing Plane, historic booths to commemorate Reno’s colorful past, vendors selling local art, an official Reno 150 t-shirt, a TapSnap photo booth with multiple background options for game day pics, and a large display of Reno 150 birthday cupcakes! Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for the unveiling of HOME art sculpture and the game will begin at 6:35 p.m. with a firework show to follow.
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Media
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the second of three one-hour episodes of the 2017 National Championship Air Races will air on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
The second show titled “You Have a Race!” will air on Sunday, April 8 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT / 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network. The fastest motorsport races in the world continue, see who will advance to the National Championship Gold races, and who takes the poll positions in six different classes of airplanes: Jet, Formula One, Sport, Biplane, T6 and the Unlimited Class. The best racing pilots in the world converge in Reno to battle on the only closed-pylon oval racecourse in the world.
“We are excited to partner with STIHL and NBC Sports to air the 2017 National Championship Air Races on television,” said Fred Telling, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the Reno Air Racing Association. “These shows are only possible because of the continued and generous sponsorship and support from STIHL, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and our other sponsors. The excitement is building in the racing community after watching Episode One last weekend, and we are looking forward to tuning in with our fans across the country and reliving race week while greatly anticipating this year’s 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled Sept. 12-16, 2018.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled Sept. 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit www.airrace.org.
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About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
