With unbounded enthusiasm bought a couple of tickets to Reno. Not to shoot a man but to send my husband and son, a newly minted 15-year-old pilot to watch the last year of the National Championship Races in Reno. The races will go on, in a new home according to Tom Logteta, the COO of Reno Air Races. The location is TBD. They have 358 days until go time next year. I have faith the massive team of staff and volunteers will pull it together. I plan to be wherever there is next year.
In the heart of Nevada’s desert, where the sky meets the earth and aviation dreams take flight, lies a thrilling event that has captured the hearts of aviation enthusiasts for over half a century – the Reno Air Races. This remarkable air racing extravaganza, hosted by the Reno Air Racing Association, celebrates the fastest motorsport in the world while forging a legacy that stretches back to the golden age of aviation.
Fueling the Legacy The Reno Air Racing Association is not just an organization; it’s a group of dedicated pilots preserving the rich tradition of air racing started in 1964 by Bill Stead. Even with the loss of Reno-Stead airport as its home the races will go on. But where? Stay tuned to Taking Off on You Tube as more news develops.
The association’s board of directors, a small full-time staff, and a legion of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to make this event a reality year after year. From course safety to event sequencing, air traffic control to race timing and scoring, over 1,200 volunteers come together to create a seamless experience for participants and spectators alike.
Reno Air Racing History: A Legacy Takes Flight The National Championship Air Races is a time-honored tradition, reminiscent of the historic Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. In 1964, the visionary Bill Stead organized an air race near Reno, Nevada, giving birth to the Reno National Championship Air Races. What began in the Nevada desert more than five decades ago as a dream has grown into a thrilling spectacle.
Matt Hutton, AirSpaces lead listing agent, had the opportunity to bring his 15-year-old newly minted pilot son this year. The duo had shared a deep-rooted passion for aviation, and attending the Reno Air Races has been their dream for years.
Matt attended the event in 2022 and knew that sharing this experience with his son was a bucket list item. This year being the last year at Reno-Stead, it had to happen. For Noah, it was a dream come true, a moment to watch the legends of aviation compete in the world’s fastest motorsport.
The Reno Air Races, an institution in northern Nevada, had drawn aviation enthusiasts from all corners of the globe for over a week each September. The event had become a vital part of the region’s culture and economy, attracting over a million spectators and injecting more than $750 million into the local economy over the past decade.
Change is inevitable, and often brings about a new chapter filled with exciting possibilities. The Reno Air Races, a storied event in the aviation world, are on the move to a different location. This transition signals not the death but rather the rebirth of this sport steeped in over 100 years of tradition.
Honoring Tradition While Embracing Change The decision to relocate the Reno Air Races is driven by a commitment to evolution, growth, and ensuring that the event remains a captivating spectacle for generations to come. This change represents a renaissance of airborne racing, a fresh start that builds upon the rich history while exploring uncharted skies.
Conclusion: A Thrilling New Chapter In the world of aviation, change is not just inevitable; it’s essential for progress and growth. As the Reno Air Races prepare to soar to new heights in a different location, let us embrace this transition as a rebirth of airborne racing, a fresh chapter in the legacy of this extraordinary sport. It’s not the end; it’s a thrilling new beginning, where the skies remain limitless, and the spirit of adventure knows no bounds. Get ready for the next exhilarating chapter in the journey of the Reno Air Races, where the legacy continues to take flight.