After 60 years of air racing, the National Championship Air Races waves its final flag at the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The last event will take place Sept. 13-17, 2023, including over 150 planes and pilots, as well as hands-on displays and experiences. It will feature seven classes of air racing and military and civilian demonstrations.
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) made the announcement Thursday, citing the area’s recent significant growth amongst other concerns. The Reno area has been home to the event since its founding in 1964. The economic conditions, rapid development in the region, public safety and the impact on the airport and surrounding areas have all contributed to the decision.
The Reno Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has decided to end the longstanding event, hosting it for one last year. The organization said it is confident the event will continue on and possible locations are being scouted. Plans are for this year to be the largest and most successful event in the show’s history.
“We want to celebrate six decades of partnership, competition and airmanship which has brought our local community and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world together in this one-of-a-kind celebration of innovation and history,” President and CEO of RTAA Daren Griffin said. “While it’s a bittersweet moment for our community and the RTAA, we are committed to working with RARA to ensure this year’s event is a tremendous success as we close this historic chapter for the event in northern Nevada.”
This year’s Reno Air Races will be a culmination of six decades of hard work, pageantry, showmanship and thrills. Reno has welcomed the show for the last 59 years and the organization hopes to recognize and celebrate the community that has been host to the event and made it a signature event for the area. The association thanks the Reno-Stead Airport and its partnership with the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority for the many years of successful shows.
The event has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy and the racing event has become synonymous with the Reno area. The races have instilled a love for aviation in many over the years and become a valued partner to many charities and non-profits. The association says the support from both the community and visitors has made the event what it is today and this year will host the same amount of enthusiasm shown over many years of air races.
Seven racing classes
“The National Championship Air Races have become synonymous with Reno and, while we are disappointed that this will mark our final year at the Reno-Stead Airport, we are proud the past ten Air Race events have attracted more than one million spectators, generated more than $750 million for the local economy and contributed significant aviation-related education and outreach to schools and non-profits all around the area,” Chairman and CEO of RARA Fred Telling said.
“We are thankful to the RTAA for the opportunity to celebrate and share this event’s storied history with the community and their commitment to work with us to make this year’s event one of the best ever,” Telling said. “We are in discussions with other venues to explore our options to continue the National Championship Air Races well into the future. We hope to see all of our dedicated fans and many new and familiar faces at the event later this year.”
GRADD-NVBAA Stem Discovery Zone educates youth with flight simulators, demonstrations and hands-on projects
The final event will host many planes and pilots and experiences including the GRADD-NVBAA Stem Education Discovery Zone, heritage displays and military demonstrations. This will also be the third year for the STOL (Short take-off and landing) Drag. While this may be the end of an era in Reno Air Racing, the association has committed to growing and preserving the future of the event for the next generation of air racing fans.
Tickets can be purchased online.
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