 
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:
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
Connie May | Director – Communications of NAHI
|
Thursday, August 9, 2018
THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP
Monday, August 6, 2018
Reno Air Racing Association Adds Commemorative Air Force to the 2018 Lineup
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 06, 2018
Reno Air Racing Association Adds Commemorative Air Force to the 2018 Lineup for the 55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races
RENO, Nev. [Aug. 6, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce that the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing (CAF SoCal) will join the 2018 lineup of performers at the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018.In honor of promoting patriotism and the celebration of the 75th anniversary of World War II, the CAF SoCal will provide a spectacular aerial demonstration of World War II fighter aircraft Thursday through Sunday at the Air Races. The performance will feature a B25, F8F-2 Bearcat, F6F Hellcat and Mitsubishi AM63 Zero and will include a mock dogfight and aerobatics. Spectators will have the opportunity to view the authentic display of aircraft in their original configuration and the ability to see a close-up view of the aircraft and speak with the CAF SoCal pilots who fly them. Fans will even have the chance to purchase rides in the evening. “We are thrilled to welcome the CAF SoCal to our performer lineup and to give our Air Race fans another amazing performance and static display,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “It will truly be a unique and rare experience for visitors to watch these historic aircraft perform and have the chance to see them close-up and speak with the pilots to learn more about this important preservation of aviation history.” 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 Contacts: Mikaila Bird | The Glenn Group 775-686-7805 | mbird@theglenngroup.com |
Monday, July 30, 2018
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!
Fly Low, Fly Fast and Turn Left!
See in at Stead.
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place
Thursday, July 26, 2018
RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
|
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
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
director@reelstufffilmfest.com
Connie May | Director – Communications of NAHI
cpardew@att.net
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
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-
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 Oris: For over 114 years, Oris has been making purely mechanical watches in H̦lstein, Switzerland. The symbol of Oris mechanicals is the red rotor Рit'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 |
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Pylon Racing Seminar – Rookie School – 2018 Edition
Pylon Racing Seminar
(PRS) was held in early June. This year
we had over 45 Airplanes, 25 Rookies, 21 Racers and 23 Instructors. PRS is a
qualifying and safety seminar for pilots new to the STIHL National Championship
Air Races. While some Certified Racers like to come back and hone their skills
or test a new configuration.
Thursday was
registration and the Welcome Mixer. Friday was mainly classroom sessions –
learning the basics to racing operations and the specifics for each class. Saturday
brought some horrible winds. Gusts close to 40 mph from morning until dark made
the day a washout. But, some fine maneuvering by the Classes and the Air Boss
gave everyone a chance to get some time on the course.
 |
| SportClass By Anthony Taylor, WarbirdFotos.com |
Fred Telling, our Chairman and CEO gave this observation:
“PRS is not only an opportunity for new pilots to get a feel for the course and understand safety guidelines, but it’s also a chance for returning pilots to train for September,”“We had a great turn out for PRS this year. We experienced some strong winds on Saturday that impacted our ability to fly, but thanks to meticulous scheduling on Sunday, we were able to get everyone the airtime they needed. Reno-Stead Airport Manager, Mike Scott, and his dedicated staff have done great work with the Runway 8-26 construction project, and we are all looking forward to its completion in September. It was a great few days for the Reno Air Racing Association, and we are greatly anticipating this year’s 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races.”
I know what you’re thinking now… WHO WAS THERE!?
Well, as you may have
heard by now, Doc Hisey is expected to bring back Miss America for an “Encore
Performance” with an Alternate Pilot you may recognize, Alan Preston. The joke
of the weekend was… If for any reason Miss America
cannot fulfill her duties, the 1st runner up (Alan) shall take over. I
guess you had to be there.
JP and Joe Thibodeau both took part in PRS. It looks like father
and son will be flying a Sea Fury and a Mustang. How many father/son combos
have we seen over the years? Not many! Happy to have the Thibodeau family back
at Reno!
Mike Brown made famous for his racing Sea Furys and TigerCat
will be back – this time in a golden Mustang called Goldfinger – the old Risky
Business in a previous life. I cannot wait to see her in person – the pictures
just don’t do her justice!
The final three participants in the Unlimited Class are CAF
members hoping to race CAF aircraft. Craig Hutain, a member of the Tora Tora
Tora show along with Jason Somes and Steve Barber are all hoping to have
something fun to fly for the races this year. Keep your fingers crossed.
 |
| CAF Bearcat and Hellcat by Anthony Taylor, Warbirdfotos.com |
Volunteer Dinner
I also wanted to do a quick THANK YOU to the volunteers. Over
100 of them came to PRS to help get the new kids settled. With over 1000
Volunteers helping each year, we are dependent on this group to make the races
a success. If you are interested in joining the ranks, let me know! Lots of
opportunities to work hard!
The Volunteer Dinner is always held the Friday of PRS week. It was
well attended again this year. Special Guest Speaker, Roger Phelps from Stihl
gave a great talk about his involvement with us. He has become a passionate voice
for the Air Races. Thank you, Roger and all of Stihl!
 |
| Love the Thunder Mustang By Anthony Taylor, WarbirdFotos.com |
Speaking of Sponsors…
Do you know someone who wants to help Sponsor the 55th
annual STIHL National Championship Air Races? We hear all the time that the
fans would like more competitors. To get more competitors, we need a bigger
purse. To get a bigger purse, we need sponsorship. Let me know if you have
someone in mind. I’d love the opportunity to work with new sponsors and can
present to them the benefits of working with the Air Races.
Community Involvement
In the last few months I have been doing quite a bit to
represent the Air Races at different venues, from local Reno events, to Museum Career
Days to Airport Open House Events. We are trying to get the word out that the
Reno Air Races are AWESOME, and you should all be buying your tickets now online!
New Sea Fury Baby!
And. a BIG SEA FURY CONGRATS to Owen Ray Swager for picking two
amazing parents in Joel and Shannon Sanders Swager! Welcome to the show!
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