Showing posts with label RARA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RARA. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
RARA ANNOUNCES SHOWTIMES....
Monday, January 29, 2018
Winter Updates - Air Racing
Things are moving along in the Air Racing world. Here’s a
recap of what’s coming up in 2018.
Pylon Racing Seminar
for 2018
Originally, we were unsure if PRS (Pylon Racing Seminar AKA
Rookie School) would take place in 2018 due to runway construction at Reno/Stead
Airport. However, a compromise was reached and while we would normally be
flying during the week, the weekend will see most of the flying sessions, so
the runway construction can go on as scheduled. This is a great thing for
Rookies trying to get certified before the Air Races in 2018.
Speaking of the Races in 2018, they are schedule for September
12-16th this year. Tickets are already on sale, so let’s start
making those travel arrangements!
And the Performers have been announced. This is a nice mix
of Civilian and Military shows to intermingle with the great racing you will
see this year.
The Patriots Jet Team will be back to show their unique aerobatic
performance involving 6 L-39s – the largest civilian jet team in the Western
Hemisphere.
Also returning is the “Screamin’ Sasquatch” Jet Waco from
John Klatt Air Shows. Another unique performance and a true crowd pleaser!
The Smoke and Thunder Jet Truck will be back. This is a
great ground based show and allows for launching and recovering race aircraft –
which is a great help to the Air Boss at Reno!
For Military Performers, we are lucky enough to have the
F-35 Heritage Flight and the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team. I’m hoping at least
one of these powerful jets will be able to take the pylons!
Ely and Other
Locations
It looks like a race will be held in Ely, NV right after PRS
from June 11th through the 16th. The Ely Race will likely
be a two-class event. The airport was built for Air Racing – a enormous flat
plateau. The course design is underway.
Other locations are also being discussed from the East Coast
of the USA to the West Coast of Canada. There are also races schedule in Europe
– including the fourth race in Portugal featuring three classes of Sport
Racers.
While naysayers have been telling us that Air Racing is a
dying sport – we say - HA!
NBC Sports Special
Circle March 31st on your calendar. NBC Sports
will be airing the three-part series of the 2017 Air Races featuring all three
classes starting on that date. The other 2 episodes will be scheduled afterwards.
AND – will be re-aired some time over the Summer months. Call your friends, alert
everyone – we need more people to see this amazing event – so we can get more
fans in the seats!
 |
| A Big THANK YOU to Stihl for their Sponsorship Credit: Anthony D. Taylor |
Speaking of Fans…
How do we reach out to the younger generation?
I belong to several aviation organizations and a common
theme in the last few months has been – how do we increase interest in Aviation
– in a Xbox World? How do we introduce today’s youth to mechanical things? How
do we get them to come to the hangar early on a Saturday morning to learn how
an engine works and how to pack bearings or rivet a fuselage?
The Reno Air Races have tried Drone Races (pssst – they’ll
be back in 2018) and Motorcross demonstrations. We have also seen the Saab Demo
Team (I loved that!). And after hours musical events – which was great for
those of us who stay late.
We really need to reach out to NEW fans – not just keep the
old ones. We need to share with them the exciting things that happen in the
High Desert in mid-September every year.
If you have ideas on how to make that happen – let me know!
I’m always open to ideas.
Sponsors
Another area we need to focus on these days is increasing
the number of Sponsors we have for the Races and for individual Racers.
Each one of you who are reading these words may know someone
who knows someone who either owns a company or works for a company who may be a
great sponsor for Air Racing. Think about it – who would benefit by telling
their story to the fans of Air Racing. Look at Stihl. Before they started
sponsoring Andrew Findlay in the Sport Class – had you heard of them? Had you
seen NATIONAL advertisement for their brand? Probably not. But someone on their
Marketing Team said – this might be a great place for us to build awareness of
our products.
There are other Stihl companies out there who could also
build on their brand by sharing their products with the Air Racing Fans.
Again – any ideas? Let me know!
 |
| Justin Philipson in No Strings Attached Credit: Anthony D. Taylor |
Lots of exciting things are coming along and as they firm up
– I will be sure to share this information.
Happy 2018 and let’s go Flying!
Thursday, April 27, 2017
RARA Announces Aerobatics Performer for 54th National Championship Air Races
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2017
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association today announced that Brad Wursten Airshows will perform at the 54th National Championship Air Races this September 13th – 17th in his MXS-R aerobatic aircraft by MX aircraft.
“Brad Wursten brings power and performance to each airshow,” Mike Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “We are very excited for our fans to be able to watch as Brad pushes the envelope and amazes the crowd while remaining well within his tight margin of safety.”
Wursten’s plane, one of the most highly sophisticated airplanes in the world, features a complete carbon fiber airframe that weighs an impressive 1100 lbs. The Lycoming engine has 385 HP and can reach a top speed of over 300 MPH, a roll rate at 420 degrees per second, and “G” loading at +/- 15 “G’s”.
Wursten joins previously announced performers the Texas Flying Legends Museum.
###
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. The 2016 event generated more than $91.7 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil 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:
Mary-Sarah Kinner
The Glenn Group
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
RARA Announces Design Contest for 54th National Championship Air Races
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2017
RARA Announces Design Contest for 54th National Championship Air Races
Reno, Nev. – Calling all racing fans and artists! The Reno Air Racing Association today launched a design contest for the official poster and t-shirts of the 54th National Championship Air Races.
“The Reno Air Racing Association is looking for fresh and new designs that represent the spirit of air racing to place on our collectible posters for the 54th National Championship Air Races,” Mike Crowell President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “Entries should center on the idea of racing – which is what we are all about. We look forward to seeing the ideas our fans have.”
The contest will run in two parts – the first begins today. Interested fans and artists should submit sketches or written treatment of their ideas to RARA by April 14th. Five finalists will be chosen from all entries based on their submission and will be notified by RARA staff. The five finalists will then be asked to flesh out their designs completely for final judging and submit their final design by June 5th.
In addition to being able to create a collectible souvenir for years to come, the first place winner will be awarded $500 cash along with two VIP season passes. The second place winner will be awarded $250 cash along with two general admission and pit season passes. Third through fifth place winners will receive a ticket package of two general admission and pit season passes each.
Full contest rules can be found below.
###
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. The 2016 event generated more than $91.7 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil 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:
Mary-Sarah Kinner
The Glenn Group
2017 National Championship Air Races Poster Design Contest Rules
The Reno Air Race Association is looking for fresh and new designs that represent the spirit of air racing to place on our official poster and t-shirts for the 54th National Championship Air Races. In addition to being able to create a collectible souvenir for years to come, first place winner will be awarded $500 cash along with two VIP season passes. The second place winner will be awarded $250 cash along with two general admission and pit season passes. Third through fifth place winners will receive a ticket package of two general admission and pit season passes each.
What to create:
- Entries should center on the idea of racing. The design should execute on the theme, using a rich color palette.
- Sketches or written treatment of how the poster would come to life.
- If a design utilizes a copyrighted photograph as inspiration, a release from the copyright holder must be included with the submission.
- A minimum of one current or former racing plane must be included in the design.
Entry:
- The contest is not open to RARA employees or vendors.
- The email must include the entrant's name, phone number, no more than one attachment, the name of the work and an explicit agreement to the contest terms.
- More than one entry may be submitted.
- The contest begins 3/15.
- All entries must be submitted by 5pm PDT 4/14/17.
- Submission will only be accepted via email.
Choosing a Winner:
- Five finalists will be chosen from all entries based on their submission of a sketch or written treatment based on the theme. The five finalists will be asked to flesh out their designs completely for final judging.
- A team of RARA employees and volunteers will choose from these finalists based on execution of the design theme and how well the design communicates the spirit of air racing.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Teamwork - Bill Kerchenfaut - RIP
“Individually
we are all very good, but collectively – we can be magic.”
“That’s
one thing you learn when you race at Reno. There’s all these airplanes, the
noise, the action… But, then you meet the people and get to know them. It
becomes a family. Pretty soon you realize it’s really about them. “– William
“Bill” Kerchenfaut
One of my favorite people in the world left us this November.
William Evan Kerchenfaut, “Kerch” to his
friends, was so much more than a “guy with a screwdriver” he was an amazing
mentor, a kind soul, and a winner.
For many of his closest friends, we were all treated to
these late evening phone calls that came to be known as “Kerch-a-thons”. He
would always start with “Am I interrupting anything?” almost apologizing for calling.
I was always happy to hear from him and sat in a comfy chair, poured myself a
glass of Merlot and prepared to get today’s life lesson.
Many of you know him, know of him, know his legacy – but let
me tell you a little bit about the Bill you didn’t know.
Bill grew up on a farm in Illinois. His dad owned a J3 Cub
and he learned to fly back then – seems that was how it was done back then. No
radios, no towers, no FAA – just jump in the Cub and go. He learned about hard
work, how to fix machines and how to constantly search for more knowledge.
He enlisted in the Air Force but wasn’t able to get a
coveted flying spot. He ended up in the next best thing, Aviation
Maintenance. Here he excelled.
Later he came to Air Racing. Kerch was always part of winning
teams, including Conquest, Dago Red, Strega, 232, and Voodoo. It wasn’t a
coincidence – he was a big part of those winning programs.
Winning was in his blood.
Working with great individuals including Darryl Greenamyer,
John Crocker, Tiger Destefani, Mike Brown, Bob Button, Stevo Hinton, Skip Holm,
and Bruce Lockwood, he was exposed to some of the finest.
When he started working with Darryl, he had never seen a
Bearcat before. But, he was a quick
learner and was later known to say, “If you want to really go fast, get a
Mustang”. So much for the Bearcat, I
guess.
He was known to say, “You need three things to win Reno,
good airplane, good pilot, and good crew”. All of those things need to work
together, all of them are important.
I wanted to share this with you, something that was shared
with all of us at his Memorial. And if you ever had the pleasure of sitting
with him for a while, you heard many of these. As you start the New Year,
please keep these Kerchisms in mind.
Have a wonderful
2017.
Teamwork
by Bill Kerchenfaut
We are all in this
together
We must trust each
other.
We must help each
other.
We must RESPECT each other as human beings.
We must accept our own
strengths and weakness and those of others.
We don’t have to get
along all of the time, BUT we don’t have to be mean.
Everyone has feelings
– respect them.
The job is easier if
we cooperate.
In doing a job or
solving a problem the TRUTH is what
matters.
BLAME will not solve a
problem nor get the job done.
Making someone look
bad will not make YOU look good.
Everyone is different
and unique – enjoy the difference – don’t judge.
I Don’t Know is an acceptable
answer.
If there is a problem,
try to come up with a suggestion or a solution.
Perception is not
reality – TRUTH is REALITY.
Realize that people
are dynamic – they are in constant change.
It is OK to change
your mind based on new information.
Ask for help -- Offer
to help.
Praise each other for
a good job and for hard work.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS
TOGETHER!
Photo Credits:
Anthony Taylor
Warbirdfotos.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
International Formula 1 – 2016 Recap
The IF1 Class always has exciting racing and this year was
amazing! Most racers in other classes arrive in their best racing configuration
or have a few tweaks to make during the week. But, in IF1 – they are constantly
adjusting and testing and tweaking and wrenching and more then more testing.
Anyone who walks around their side of the
Biplane / IF1 Hangar will notice more cowls off than on.
You would also notice a family atmosphere and camaraderie
like no other. With Kelly Goforth feeding the teams and everyone pitching in to
help each other, it’s just one big, happy family.
This big, happy family is also befitting of their International
moniker. With competitors this year from
the USA, Canada, Austria, Scotland, and the UK – plus crew members from
Australia and Spain– they really are International!
Racing!
Lowell Slatter started racing in IF1 in 2013 with his
airplane Fraed Naught. His first year,
he qualified at 233mph. In 2014 he was unable to race her himself because of
work constraints – and asked Justin Phillipson to fill in for him. Justin, a
highly respected racer and pilot, qualified her at ... (Drum roll please) 233mph
- again.
And now Lowell is back. This year he qualified at … 253mph.
That is a full 20mph faster she was able to go in recent years. What changed?
No one is talking – but we are very curious! Care to share, Lowell?
Lowell unseated the previous champion, Steven Senegal in
Endeavor. He also went faster than anyone expected – even faster in the Gold Race
on Sunday – at 256. Vito Wypraechtiger of Austria/Switzerland - placed 2nd
in Scarlet Screamer. He was the Gold Winner in 2013 in the same plane.
Justin Phillipson placed third in the second year for his
ShoeString Racer, No Strings Attached. . This is Justin’s fifth year – having flown
Outrageous for 2 years, Fraed Naught for one and now No Strings Attached for
two more years. Looks like he really is getting the hang of it and that trophy
will look great among the others.
James Jordan cut a pylon and ended up in fourth – after some
amazing racing during the week. Phil Goforth placed fifth – flying multiple
airplanes in Gold, Silver and Bronze – more on that later. Madness, flown by
Steve Temple ended 6th.
Goforth is also on the Pilot Committee – charged with getting
more pilots and airplanes to Reno. He did a fantastic job on this as well. The
#s grew from 13 in 2014 to 16 in 2015 to 23 in 2016! And it seems everyone I
spoke with was looking for a competitive IF1 airplane to get in on the fun!
The Silver Race was won by Des Hart from Scotland. He flew
Chaos Theory (previously known as Sly Dog). Des was a Reno Rookie this year,
but did take part in International races through Air Race 1. I believe Des
enjoyed his debut at Reno!
To clarify, IF1 does a race progression – so if you start in
the Bronze and win – you can move up to the Silver and bump someone back to Bronze
– the same with Silver and Gold. Each heat race result sets the grid for the
next race. This way, as teams work their magic through the week, they are rewarded
with a better grid spot. This explains why racers move back and forth all week,
but the final standings are what we will be reporting here.
It also explains why it’s difficult to race more than one airplane
in this class – hopping between Gold Silver and Bronze. For example, Goforth raced in all three heat
levels, Gold, Silver and Bronze and in three different planes, Knotty Girl, Sonic Zoom and El Bandito. He actually won the Bronze Race in El Bandito.
El Bandito
Longtime fans of IF1 will remember George and Bobby Budde
form Oklahoma. George raced several different airplanes over the years, including
Okie Twister, Stroker and Streaker . Bobby was a one airplane man, and that
airplane was El Bandito.
El Bandito started racing at Reno in 1968. She has a vintage
look and historic appeal. That appeal is what drove Goforth to chase the
airplane down over the years. He got in touch with the Budde brothers to find
out what the status of Bandito was – and found out she was in a trailer in
Oklahoma.
The next thing you know, Phil is headed to OK.
While Phil and his team worked to get her going again – she last
raced in 2000 – the excitement within the Class and the Budde Family continued
to grow. There was a For Sale sign on her, but after the amazing showing of winning
the Bronze – Bob Budde’s grandson decided it had to stay in the family and
bought her. I love a good history lesson with a happy ending.
In 1996, this was said that about the Budde Brothers -- “No
other two people in the sport’s history have introduced as many new pilots to
air racing, nor used their own time and treasure to check out so many in
Formula One aircraft, nor helped so many get seats or acquire planes in which
to complete.” … I believe Phil is cut
from the same cloth. Well done.
 |
| Goforth in the Bronze Winner - El Bandito Tim Adams Photography |
Slab Wing Contest
As we mentioned in the September column – the Dash for Cash
contest provided $1000 prize to the fastest Slab Wing Cassutt – that was won by
Paul Newman (not that one) in Fast & Easy. Congrats, Paul!!
Rookie of the Year
With so many Rookies in IF1 this year, the decision was not
an easy one. But, our friend, Justin Meaders (who we wrote in the August column)
was the winner. Congrats, Justin!
 |
| Justin Meaders - Rookie of the Year Anthony Taylor – WarbirdFotos.com |
Take-off Incident
As you probably heard – there was an incident on take-off
during the Gold Final on Sunday. Two racers
collided during the start. To explain, the IF1 Class (and Biplanes) does a
ground start for the race. We call it a horse-race start. In IF1, all of the racers
are staged in a grid (3 front row, 2 second row and 3 back row) on the runway and
when the flag drops, all of them take off at the same time (slightly different
from Biplanes).
Racers are given a countdown – starting at 10 minutes – when
you have time to start your engines and get them warmed up, do a mag check –
whatever you need to do to prepare for your takeoff. At 2 minutes the runways
are cleared and at one minute the focus goes from a line flag man to a single Starter.
It is a highly charged 10 minutes.
I believe because of the Incident, there may be a review of
the way we do our take-offs. I’m just happy the pilots are all okay. Airplanes
can be repaired or replaced. I’ll keep an eye on the discussion and will report
back if/when things change.
 |
| Classic IF1 Takeoff David Atkinson - Aviation Images Unlimited |
Thailand and Air Race
1
Several of the airplanes are now headed to Thailand to
perform a Race for the King of Thailand – no kidding. Goforth, Justin Phillipson, Justin Meaders,
Steve Temple and Des Hart are scheduled to be the Racers.
Looks like Air Race 1 is heating up again and the boys will
be circling the globe in their sweet, little racers. 2017 will bring them to Spain,
Puerto Rico, Thailand and Reno. Good luck – and have fun!
Final Thoughts
We will continue to run through the races each month and
give a close up view and recap- stayed tuned for the Best of the Rest.
Until then…
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Voodoo and Stevo Hinton do it again!
Back in 2008, Rookie Race Pilot, Steven Hinton was able to get a
few laps in, first in Lady Jo and later that week in Sparky. He finished as
high as 2nd in the Bronze and was probably the happiest guy on the
ramp.
 |
| Stevo flying a perfect line Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Who would have guessed that same young man would be a seven time
Unlimited Champion – 4 in Strega and now 3 in Voodoo? All I know is – I’ve had
a front row seat to his incredible journey. I could not be happier for him, his
entire family and the Button Family and the entire Voodoo Crew!
Qualifying at 475.027, some expected them to go for the
Qualifying Record of just under 500 mph – but there was no one in his rear view
mirror – so why push it. As we say in racing – “2nd place sets the
pace”.
Speaking of 2nd place -- Jay Consalvi flew Czech
Mate, the highly modified Yak-11 to a 444 qualifying lap and a well flown 2nd
place finish. A pretty impressive showing for a Rookie! But, Jay is only a Rookie at Reno. With quite an impressive pedigree, we are happy to have Jay join our little family of racers!
 |
| Jay Consalvi, Reno Rookie all around amazing pilot in
Czech Mate Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Brian Sanders flew Dreadnought to a 440 qualifying time and a
safe 3rd place finish. Curt Brown in Sawbones was 4th. Joel Swager –
another Rookie – came in 5th in Argonaut just ahead of his
father-in-law, Dennis Sanders in 924.
 |
| Rookie Joel Swager flying Argonaut to a respectable 5th place finish Anthony Taylor of warbirdfotos.com |
Dusty Dowd took the Silver in Lylia, another Yak-11. Dusty comes
to us from Syracuse, KS and is – a Crop Duster. We’re hoping the bugs stay away
each September so he can continue to grace us with his flying.
A real surprise was Mrs. Virginia; the Allison powered P-51A
owned by the Planes of Fame Museum. John Maloney flew her to some pretty
impressive speeds – good enough to beat out several of the Merlin Powered P-51Ds.
Those P-51Ds included Wee Willy flown by Rob Patterson, The
Rebel flown by John Currenti and Doug Matthews and Sparky/Blondie flown by
Brant Seghetti.
This year’s event was another series of ups and downs. Over the
next few columns we will dissect each Race Class in detail – but until then –
here are your winners this year.
Congrats to all the teams and to RARA for running another
spectacular event.
- Jet Class, American Spirit, L-39 Albatros, Pilot Rick Vandam
- Sport Class, Race 39, Glasair III, Pilot Jeff LaVelle
- T-6 Class, Baron’s Revenge, AT-6B, Pilot Chris Rushing – First time winner
- IF1 Class, Fraed Naught, Gilbert DG2, Pilot Lowell Slatter – First time winner
- Biplane Class, Reno Rabbit, Mong Sport, Pilot Jeff Rose – First time winner
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