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50th Annual Reno National Championship Air Races
(Pete Shirk)The title of the event has been confused with a 50th Anniversary. The first national championship air races were held at Reno in 1964, so the 50th anniversary of that will be Sept. 2014, but Reno was anxious to celebrate something, and so celebrated the 50th race rather than the 50 anniversary. (Ask your spouse for clarification on anniversaries.)
And celebrate we did, however, it did not come easily. A little background history will help. In 2011 there was the terrible crash of Galloping Ghost (Race 177) which tragically took the lives of 11 people, and many more were injured. (Please refer to my article in the October 2011 In Flight USA, “Flying a Full Circle” http://inflight.squarespace.com/featured/2011/10/7/flying-a-full-circle.html as well as numerous other sources on the accident.)
This year’s 50th Reno Air Races had all the drama, suspense, and surprise that one could ask for –
Legendary P-51 Mustang Strega to compete at 50th National Championship Air Races
The Pylon Place - October 2012
The Return to the Races
By Marilyn Dash
We expected it to feel different, and it did. We expected it to be more difficult, and it was. But we never expected it to be so cathartic. At least I didn’t.
The week started out earlier than usual. Racers were to be on the field by noon on the Saturday before the races. This is by far the earliest we were told to be there. But we were there and we were together.
It was good to see some of the new aircraft, new paint jobs, new owners, etc. And, of course, it was good to see all the new rookies and our old friends. Lots of hugs were exchanged and stories were shared about the off-season and how most of us were absolutely certain we wouldn’t be standing there – but we were.
Before I review the races, I wanted to share a quote from Tim Cone, rookie Sport Class racer, “What do they call the pilot who places LAST in the Bronze heat of a Reno Air Race? An Air Racer!” – And he’s right! Congrats to all the racers and especially the rookies.
Reno National Championship Air Races introduces Blue Ribbon Review Panel; Announces Dates for 2012 Event
In a press conference to discuss the future of the National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced on Jan. 4 the formation of a Blue Ribbon Review Panel to study the event. The panel will examine any possible changes or modifications that could be made to enhance the already high level of safety established by the FAA and existing RARA procedures.
RARA also announced that, despite many challenges in the near and long‐term future, they are planning to hold the 49th Annual National Championship Air Races at the Reno‐Stead Airfield, Sept. 12 – 16, 2012.