Ready for the Races -- 2018 - Part 1

It’s that time of year again – everyone is getting ready for another exciting National Championship Air Race week. The teams are gathering their paperwork, putting the finishing touches on their racers and packing up the trucks to head out to Stead.

Let’s catch-up with them and make some guesses about who will be there and who could win.

Sport Class

I have said many times; the Sport Class is the place to be. This is one of the classes where you will see amazing strides in speed and technology.

Jeff Lavelle will be back and will be the man to beat. But who will give him the biggest competition?

My guess would be either Bob Mills in another Super Glasair – Gary Mead’s old Race 47. Or, Andrew Findlay in the STIHL Lancair Super Legacy! Both racers are working hard during the off-season and can definitely bring the speed.  Long shots could be Dave Sterling or Vicki Benzing – both in Super Legacys and both hunting for Speed.

With John Parker out, the only two Thunder Mustangs are Swiss Thunder with Peter Balmer driving and Class Thunder with Mathais Haid in the seat. I would be happy to see them both in the Gold again. A fitting tribute to all of John’s work to succeed on the Thunder Mustang platform.

So, the Sport Gold will likely be two Super Glasairs, two Thunder Mustangs and the rest Super Legacys. Sounds good to me!

 

Who can beat Jeff Lavelle?!

Photo by Rob “Phred” Miller

Jets

The Jet Class is still growing and working on a very competitive event this year. Last year’s winner, Rick Vandam in American Spirit will be taking on Zach McNeill in a Vampire, Dave Culler in another L39 and Scott Farnsworth in my favorite L-39 – Dash Force One (I wonder why I like it so much?)  This all sounds good to me. The Jets will again offer close racing and a lot of fun! 

International Formula 1

This Class is still booming with a full field expected in September. After a successful, yet small – race in Ely in June – the IF1 Class is ready for Reno.

Among the cool things that are happening in IF1 is the Third Annual GripLockTies SlabWing Dash for Cash. Since they started the GripLockTies SlabWing Dash for Cash there has been a  HUGE jump in SlabWing participation and it really creates a race within a race. – Awesome!

Last year, Swaid Rahn in Heat Stroke narrowly beat out Last Lap Player. This year a modified Heat Stroke with a new pilot, Merce Marti will likely battle Philip Goforth in Annie for the coveted title of “the GripLockTies' Fastest SlabWing on the Planet trophy” And WHO doesn’t want that TROPHY!

In the Gold, we will likely see Lowell Slatter in Fraed Naught duking it out with Steve Senegal in Endeavor. What Airplane, Honey? Is a dark horse – but if she’s as fast as she was in Thailand last year – she could be a factor.

Swaid Rain - 2017's Fastest Slab Wing on the Planet
Photo by Tim Adams

This Class will be very exciting to watch this year. And – all you need to do is wake up early enough to be there at the start. You shouldn’t miss it!
 

Unlimited

The Unlimited Class is having another difficult year. It seems Rare Bear, Strega and Voodoo all decided to take a year off at the same time. This really opens up the top of the Gold and it is anyone’s game.

However, the smart money is on Dreadnaught, the unflappable Buick who just keeps on going. If not Dread, possibly Miss America? Coming back after a short retirement to see if she can win it all in 2018. Or how about Mike Brown – yes THAT Mike Brown coming back in a P-51 Mustang called Goldfinger. The old Risky Business has had a facelift and put on a sparkly dress. Or, will it be Astronaut Curt Brown in Sawbones. All four of these racers have a VERY good chance of winning it all.

While the fastest competitors aren’t going to be there, the competitiveness in the front will make this one unforgettable.

Also, Graham Frew has already sent Full Noise on a Slow Boat to Reno from New Zealand. If he can make it, YOU can too!

The Show

NAHI IS BACK!!! Yes, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational reached an agreement with RARA. This was always a fan favorite – a place to go and see beautiful antiques and still be at the Air Races. Check them out on the EAST side of the field!

The Patriot Jet Team will be back. The fans will once again enjoy their high energy show. John Klatt will be there with his Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Powered Waco! I bet he’ll be racing the Smoke -n-Thunder Jet car too!

There will be several Military Aircraft on display – and the Air combat Command F-16 Viper Demo Team will provide us with some loud and exciting Military Style Aerobatics.

More next month----- until then...
Fly Low, Fly Fast and Turn Left!

See in at Stead.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place 

RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 26, 2018 RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES  MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14, at the 2018 STIHL National Championship Air Races RENO, Nev. [July 26, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce they have named Friday, September 14th as Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by Mercer-Fraser Company. All current and former Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard will receive free admission to the Reserved Seating area with a Military ID or proof of service, if proof of service is not available, there will be a simple questionnaire offered at the box office. Family members of the military community will receive a $10 discount in Reserved Seating tickets when accompanied by a military member. “We appreciate everything these brave men and women have done to protect our freedom. It's extremely important to us that they are honored and recognized for their service, and we're so thankful for Mercer-Fraser Company’s sponsorship,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “We are excited to provide our nation’s heroes with the opportunity to enjoy a fun and memorable day at the Races with their families and experience the thrill of watching the world’s fastest motorsport.” Tickets are on sale for the 55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduledSeptember 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer 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. Media Contacts: Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group 775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com

National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the STIHL National Championship Air Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2018

National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) returns to the

STIHL National Championship Air Races

RENO, Nev. [July 11, 2018] - Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), announced today that RARA and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational LLC (NAHI) have reached an agreement which will bring NAHI back to the STIHL National Championship Air Races this year and for many years to come.

For 2018, NAHI and RARA will host a display of vintage aircraft to celebrate NAHI’s return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Beginning in 2019, NAHI will have a full vintage aircraft competition including judging in multiple categories and hosting the People’s Choice Award, which is sponsored by Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine.

NAHI was founded in 1998 at the Reno Air Races by four well-known aviation-oriented organizations; Rolls-Royce, the Reno Air Racing Association, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The goal of NAHI is to maintain our nation’s rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition. In addition, they utilize the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to encourage students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry.

“NAHI held its first vintage aircraft competition on the ramp at Reno in 1999 and were a key part of the Reno experience for the 16 years,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of RARA. “Over the years they have hosted several hundred of the finest vintage aircraft in North America to compete at the Reno Air Races. RARA believes that the NAHI vintage aircraft and the National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees offer another major attraction for guests attending the STIHL National Championship Air Races and we are extremely pleased to have NAHI back this year.”

“NAHI was born at the Reno Air Races, and it has enjoyed a great relationship with the race fans,” said Ken Perich, Chairman and Executive Director of NAHI. “In addition to displaying some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country on the Reno ramp, we have been honored to have National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees, including; Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, Bob Hoover, Dick Rutan, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Herb Kelleher, Clay Lacy, Bud Anderson, General (ret) Joe Engle, General (ret) Bill Anders, Patty Wagstaff and Sean D. Tucker participate in our annual events and help present trophies to our winners.”

“Part of securing our future is preserving our past, and this is a big part of that effort, said Tony Logoteta, COO and Board member of RARA. “We have taken this renewed relationship very seriously, and NAHI will play a major role in our annual event. Our multi-year agreement will make NAHI a critical component of the expanded Reno experience. We want the aviation community to know; the Reno Air Races is the HOME of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.”

“The vintage aircraft compete for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, which represents one of the highest honors an aircraft restorer can receive,” said Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut, Air Racer and NAHI Ambassador.

Throughout the year the Armstrong Trophy resides at the Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

“The judging criteria was created by representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and emphasizes authenticity and attention to detail,” stated Nelson Blankenship, Chief of Restorations for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. “The Smithsonian is actively involved in NAHI and representatives from our restoration staff serve annually on the judging team.”

The STIHL National Championship Air Races and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational will be keeping our aviation heritage alive at Reno-Stead from September 12-16, 2018.

For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, please visit our website at www.airrace.org.  

For additional information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, its mission, aircraft entry requirements and judging criteria, please visit www.heritagetrophy.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 the National Aviation Heritage Invitational: 

The vision and mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC is to support our aviation industry by doing two important functions; honoring our rich aviation history and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry.

NAHI was created to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition. NAHI accomplishes this via a friendly annual competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together some of the finest examples of restored vintage aircraft in the country to compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. 

NAHI utilizes the aircraft, owners and judging staff to help inspire students to consider careers within the aviation industry. We also utilize the ISTAT Careers in Aviation video series to highlight some of the great career opportunities available within our industry. 

Media Contacts:

Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group

775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com

Ron Kaplan | Co-Founder and Deputy Director of NAHI
director@reelstufffilmfest.com

Connie May | Director – Communications of NAHI
cpardew@att.net

Reno Air Racing Association Announces Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the 55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 03, 2018 Reno Air Racing Association Announces Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the 55th Annual 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 Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport. Oris has designed a special limited edition watch for the 55th year of the Reno Air Races and will be on site with a booth in the pits during race week where the official timepiece and other watches will be available for purchase. “We are thrilled to have Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the STIHL National Championship Air Races. They make a beautiful watch and now our fans will have the opportunity to purchase their own official Oris 55th Reno Air Races Limited Edition watch in celebration of 55 years of air racing in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. 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 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. About Oris: For over 114 years, Oris has been making purely mechanical watches in Hölstein, Switzerland.  The symbol of Oris mechanicals is the red rotor – it's a sign of the natural power that fuels the watches, and a registered trademark.  Comprised of four worlds: Culture, Diving, Aviation and Motor Sport, Oris watches are made for everyday wear and offer the luxury of common sense. That means Oris provides the best possible watch for the money, using useful complications and functional designs. Staying true to a rich heritage, Oris is one of the few Swiss watch companies to remain independently owned and operated. Media Contact: Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group 775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com