THE STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES INCLUDED AS A FEATURED EVENT IN THE GRUNT STYLE AIR SHOW MAJORS TOUR BEGINNING IN 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2018  THE STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES INCLUDED AS A FEATURED EVENT IN THE GRUNT STYLE AIR SHOW MAJORS TOUR BEGINNING IN 2019 -Expanding the Audience of the World’s Fastest Motorsport - RENO, Nev. [October 23, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce that the STIHL National Championship Air Races will be included in the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour beginning in 2019. Grunt Style Air Show Majors is the air show industry's premier tour showcasing a collection of America's most prestigious air shows and now will also feature air racing on the tour at the Reno National Championship Air Races. By becoming an official tour stop, the STIHL National Championship Air Races will receive national promotion through a variety of marketing efforts, event visibility and promotion at the other participating air shows along with additional mainstream recognition and benefits through partnering with tour creators, Red Frog Events, and title partner, Grunt Style. “We are honored to be included in this distinguished group of aviation events and further provide aviation enthusiasts with increased opportunities to observe some of the world’s best pilots in both air racing and aerobatics. We’re excited to join the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour beginning in 2019 and expand our audience for the world’s fastest motorsport at the STIHL National Championship Air Races and provide fans with a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. Created by Red Frog Events in 2018 as the industry’s first unifying brand platform, the mission of Grunt Style Air Show Majors is to celebrate aviation, honor the military and increase mainstream awareness of aviation events in the air show industry. The STIHL National Championship Air Races joins SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, the Bethpage Air Show, the Cleveland National Air Show, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston Airshow and Thunder Over Michigan. "We're thrilled to add the Reno National Championship Air Races to the Grunt Style Air Show Majors," says Scott Howard, Chief Revenue Officer at Red Frog Events. "This well-established event is among the best in the air show industry. We're proud to now have a collection of six of the most prestigious shows in the country as we work to expand their reach nationally and engage new audiences and continue to elevate interest in air shows and aviation events. The goal is for aviation enthusiasts to immediately know that any event that is a part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors is a best-in-class, must-attend event.” The six 2019 Grunt Style Air Show Majors tour dates and locations include (in order of occurrence): April 2 - 7, 2019: SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, Lakeland, Florida May 25 - 26, 2019: Bethpage Air Show, Jones Beach, Wantagh, New York August 3 - 4, 2019: Thunder Over Michigan, Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan August 31 - September 2, 2019: Cleveland National Air Show, Cleveland, Ohio September 11 - 15, 2019: STIHL National Championship Air Races, Reno, Nevada October 19 - 20, 2019: CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, Houston, Texas To learn more about Grunt Style Air Show Majors, visit airshowmajors.com For more information about the Reno Air Racing Association or the STIHL National Championship Air Races visit airrace.org. ### About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the 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 National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org. About Grunt Style Air Show Majors: Grunt Style Air Show Majors is a tour uniting the most prestigious air shows in the country: SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Thunder Over Michigan, Cleveland National Air Show, Reno National Championship Air Show, and the CAF Wings over Houston Airshow. The mission of Grunt Style Air Show Majors is to celebrate aviation, honor the military, and advance the air show industry through increased mainstream awareness. Grunt Style Air Show Majors was created by Red Frog Events. To learn more, visit AirShowMajors.com.  About Red Frog Events: Red Frog Events is an event production company and a pioneer of the experiential entertainment industry, recognized for its award-winning company culture. Since 2007, the company has developed innovative brands including the Warrior Dash obstacle race series, Firefly Music Festival, and Chicago Beer Classic. Red Frog also provides event services ranging from food and beverage to its ticketing platform, EventSprout. Red Frog has been named one of Forbes' "Most Promising Companies in America", has appeared consecutively on Inc. Magazine’s "Fastest Growing Companies" list, and was recognized on Chicago Tribune's "Top Workplaces" from 2011-2014, among other honors. In recognition of its philanthropic efforts, the company was selected as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's "Corporate Partner of the Year". To date, Red Frog has raised over $14.5 million of a $25 million-dollar fundraising commitment to St. Jude and in 2016, announced a one percent profit donation to the organization. Visit RedFrogEvents.com for more information.

2018 STIHL National Championship Air Race GOLD Victors!

2018 STIHL National Championship Air Race GOLD Victors!

The 2018 STIHL National Championship Air Races have wrapped up, but not before we got our racing fix for the year. Race week was filled with competition that was sure to have you on the edge of your seat! Listed below are the Gold Race champions for each of the six classes.

Unlimited Class Joel Swager "Dreadnought"

The Unlimited Race was a fan favorite once again with "Dreadnought", flown by Joel Swager, taking first place.

Sport Class Andrew Findlay "One Moment"

Andrew Findlay showed precision, power and speed taking first place in the Sport class flying the STIHL sponsored "One Moment".

Jet Class Mike Steiger "American Spirit"

Mike Steiger won with a speed of 486 miles per hour in the Gold Jet Race.

Formula One Class Justin Meaders "Limitless"

Justin Meaders showed us the meaning of "Limitless" as he took first place in the Formula One class.

T-6 Race John Lohmar "Radial Velocity"

First and second place were separated by just 1 second with John Lohmar in "Radial Velocity" beating out Chris Rushing for the T-6 Gold.

Biplane Class Andrew Buehler "Phantom"

In the Biplane class Andrew Buehler flew straight into first place in the beautiful "Phantom".

ALL THREE EPISODES OF THE 2017 STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES TO RE-AIR ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2018

ALL THREE EPISODES OF THE 2017 STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES

TO RE-AIR ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7^th

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce that all three episodes of the 2017 STIHL National Championship Air Races will re-air in succession on NBC Sports Network on Friday, September 7, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT.

“Race enthusiasts from across the country will have the opportunity to view the 2017 event on national television as they prepare for the 55^th year of the Air Races the following week,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “The excitement is already building as Race week approaches, and these shows are great way to relive last year’s Races as we all anticipate the 55^th year of air racing in Reno.”

The first show titled, “Start Your Engines” will air on Friday, September 7 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT / 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network.

The second show titled, “You Have a Race!” will air on Friday, September 7 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT / 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network.

The final episode titled, “Gold Races” will air on Friday, September 7 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT / 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT on NBC Sports Network.

“We are excited to partner with STIHL and NBC Sports to re-air the 2017 STIHL National Championship Air Races on national television,” said Fred Telling, RARA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “These shows are only possible because of the continued support and generous sponsorship from STIHL, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Commission on Tourism and our other sponsors.”

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 visitwww.airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the 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 National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:

Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group

775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th IS NEVADA APPRECIATION DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2018

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^th IS NEVADA APPRECIATION DAY AT THE

STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES 

-Nevada residents get $5.00 general admission-

RENO, Nev. [August 29, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce Wednesday, September 12^th has been named Nevada Appreciation Day at the 55^th STIHL National Championship Air Races. All current Nevada residents will be offered a special General Admission rate of only $5.00 with proof of a Nevada state ID or driver’s license.

“As a Nevada local non-profit, we want to give our residents the opportunity to come out and experience the Races,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “We are excited to provide Nevadans with an even more affordable way to enjoy a fun and memorable day at the Races with their families, and experience the thrill of watching the world’s fastest motorsport.”

The schedule for Wednesday at the Races will be a full day including qualifications, racing and demonstrations. The morning will have the final timed qualifying sessions from 8:00am-12:00pm, and official racing starting at 12:00pm with heats for Formula One’s, Biplanes, T-6’s and Jets. A number of demonstrations will be practicing in the afternoon including the HondaJet Demo, the Commemorative Air Force Demo and Glenn McNeely’s T-6 80^thAnniversary Demo. The static displays will also be arriving and being staged after 5:00pm.  

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 visitairrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the 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 National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:

Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group

775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com

Getting Ready for the Races – Part 2

Last month, we covered the Sport, Jet, Unlimited and International Formula 1 Classes. Let’s finish up with the Biplanes and the T6s. And we can do some other updates as well.

Biplanes

Biplanes are having an interesting time this year. Only 15 racers in the field – while 24 would be a full field. Quite a surprise for a class that should be growing.

Biplanes! 

The good news though is that Phantom will be back. Andrew Buehler will be flying again. But is there anyone in the lineup that can give Phantom a challenge? I would say the best bet would be either Sam Swift in Smokin’ Hot or Eric Zine in Yellow Fever. Either of them could be the spoiler.

Alan Hoover in There Be Dragons or Scott Thompson in Second Hand might also put up a fight. Let’s see if Phantom stays hungry and does what we know she can do.

 

Dennis Buehne - Midnight Miss
Roger Cain - Photographer

T6

Last year’s dramatic winner, John Lohmar in his Radial Velocity, will likely give Dennis Buehne in Midnight Miss III and Six Cat’s Nick Macy another exciting and challenging year.  

Chris Rushing is back in Barons Revenge and William Walker III will take the reins from his father in law, Gordo Sanders.

A full field in the T6s with lots of exciting racing will make this another winning year!

Other news

Since our last edition, we were able to learn some additional good news. The National Aviation Heritage Invitational will be returning to NCAR. This year, we will have about a dozen classic antique aircraft – but next year we expect to increase the number. It is very exciting to have this group back to give fans something else fun to do between races. NAHI will take their spot on the East Side of Stead.

There will also be a Drone Zone with Drone races – on a smaller scale from last year, but they will still be in attendance. This group will also be on the East Side of the airport.

How about Fly-overs? We will be having a U-2 and a B-52 perform fly-overs during the week. I don’t know about you – but either of these sleek aircraft would make me stare longingly at the sky – but BOTH!? YEAH!

The Patriots will be our Jet Formation Team this year. They are the largest civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the western hemisphere. And, they are a lot of fun to watch.

John Klatt and his “Screamin’ Sasquatch” Jet Waco will also be performing this year. Super fun to watch the beautiful Waco turn into a JET right before your eyes.

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing will be bringing their toys this year. Their performance will feature a B25, F8F-2 Bearcat, F6F Hellcat and Mitsubishi AM63 Zero and will include mock dogfights and aerobatics.

The Smoke and Thunder Truck will also be there -- The Hot Streak II is a twin jet engine 57 Chevy Pickup capable of speeds of 350+mph that has been entertaining fans across the country for over 20 years and is currently driven by Hayden Proffitt II. Kids love the Jet Truck!

Finally, the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team will be there to provide a fast paced and exciting Demo!

The Stihl Lumberjack Demonstration will also take place. The first time I saw this Demo was in Alaska – and I really enjoyed it.

All in all – a great lineup to share the stage with our races.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in September! 

Tickets are still available.

Volunteer opportunities are still available.

 

Is it Dreadnought's Year?
Ken Linde - Photographer

Racers Announced for the 55th STIHL National Championship Air Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2018

Racers Announced for the 55^th  STIHL National Championship Air Races 

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated racing lineup for the 55^th 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 Gordan - 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 Pflegar

  Michael Stieger

In the Sport class, the following racers are scheduled to participate: 

Abe Gaskins - Under Dog

Andrew Findlay - One Moment

Bill Koleno - Joker

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 Rovery - 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

Paul Downing - Sport 36

Peter A. Zaccagnino - Coming In Hot

Peter Balmer - Swiss Thunder

Richard Ogg - Neverbird

Scott Prewitt - Phantom Rocket

Sean Vanhatten - Havoc

Skylor Piper - Miss Ruby S.

Tom McNerney - Unleashed

Vicky Benzing - Lucky Too

Vince Walker - Modo Mio

  Pace Plane:

  Bob Mills – El Toro

  Rick Vandam - Phoenix

  Alternate Pace Pilots:

  Kevin Eldredge

  Mark Johnson

  Michael Steiger

  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

Eric Gavin - Sonic Zoom

Jason Barksdale - Tony the Tiger

Jerry Marshall - Tumbleweed

Jim Jordan - Miss Min

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

Phllip 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

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

John A. D'Alessandris - RB Special

Marie-Claire Laberge - The Yellow Bomber

Robert Austen - FReaKY

Sam Swift - Smokin' Hot

Scott McDonald - Christen Eagle

Scott Thompson - Second Hand

Tommy Suell - PlaneJunkies

"Tony" Minoru Higa - Tango Tango

Racing qualifications for all classes will start on Sunday, September 9^th at 8:00 a.m. and end on Wednesday, September 12^th. Racing will begin the afternoon of Wednesday, September 12^th. Tickets are on sale for the 55^th 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 http://www.airrace.org/.

# # #

About the Reno Air Racing Association:

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the 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 National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.