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.

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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.

RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ISSUES CALL FOR SECURITY VOLUNTEERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 16, 2018 RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ISSUES CALL FOR SECURITY VOLUNTEERS RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) issued a call for volunteers for security and gate control at this year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16th at the Reno-Stead Airport. Volunteers are needed for security and gate control. RARA will work with volunteers to schedule convenient days and time slots. Those who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply online: https://airrace.org/about-us/volunteer/. For questions and more information about the position please emailReynoldwright@gmail.com or call (408) 489-9676. 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 or tickets, 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.

THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 9, 2018 THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP -At the 55TH Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, Sept. 12-16- RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational LLC (NAHI) are thrilled to present some of the nation’s most skillfully-restored aircraft that will be on display at the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16 at Reno-Stead Airport. This year marks the 55th year of air racing in Reno, and it is also the year of celebrating NAHI’s return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races, thanks to NAHI presenting sponsor, Perform Air International. Visitors will be able to walk among this historical aircraft exhibit and talk with the owners and restorers at the very place it all began in 1999. A full competition is scheduled to begin in 2019 and is planned for years to come. NAHI was an integral part of the Reno experience for sixteen years and has hosted some of the finest examples of restored aircraft on the ramp at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Owners and restorers from all over bring their aircraft to compete for trophies in several categories including military, large, vintage, classic, commercial aircraft and the People’s Choice Award sponsored by the Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine. Entrants vie for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, a striking six-foot tall trophy that resides at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles Airport in Virginia. Representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum created judging criteria that emphasize authenticity and attention to detail. The Smithsonian is actively involved with NAHI and has representatives from its restoration staff who serve on the judging team annually. “Having NAHI back at Reno is absolutely fantastic!” said Josh Cawthra a previous winner and regular participant at NAHI. “NAHI is like the west coast mecca for aviation enthusiasts from all over the world and providing the opportunity for them to enjoy these iconic aircraft, which so many have put such hard work into persevering, is just amazing!” “I am glad NAHI and Reno have reestablished their partnership,” said John Sessions, Founder of the Historic Flight Foundation and a previous winner and participant. “NAHI deserves the concentration of aviation enthusiasts that Reno attracts every September.” Scheduled NAHI participants include: 1944 SNJ, owned by Chuck and Carol Wahl of Cameron Park, CA - 2009 Overall Winner 1947 Cessna 140, owned by Josh, Janel and Dave Cawthra of Vacaville, CA - 2014 Classic Winner      1942 Interstate S-1A Cadet, owned by Jeff and Kim Powschwatta of Covington, WA - 2013 Antique Winner 1942 Fairchild PT-19, owned by Larry Nelson of Napa, CA - 2017 Military Winner of California Capital Airshow (CCA) 1944 Beechcraft D17S, owned by Historic Flight Foundation of Mukilteo, WA - 2017 Classic CCA Winner 1942 Waco UPF-7, owned by Jeremy Young of Hood River, OR  1942 Howard DGA-15D, owned by David Bole of Enumclaw, WA 1952 Cessna 195, owned by Bela and Joy Havasreti of Kent, WA  1951 Cessna L-19, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1971 Bell Cobra Helicopter, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1967 Cessna O-2, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV 1938 Ryan SCW-145, owned by Russell Williams of Bellevue, WA 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 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. For more information visit www.heritagetrophy.org 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