Reno Air Racing Association Announces 2021 Performers

U.S. Thunderbirds will fly over Reno on Sept. 18-19.

(Photo courtesy Reno Air Races and U.S. Thunderbirds)

The STIHL National Championship Air Races are returning with an airshow lineup sure to impress. To complement the excitement of head-to-head air racing the Reno Air Racing Association has announced this year’s performers as well as the return of their title sponsor, STIHL Inc.

Tony Higa Airshows will perform at the Reno Air Races Sept. 16-19.

(Photo courtesy Reno Air Races and Higa Airshows)

“We are excited to see live racing again, and proud to return as the title sponsor,” said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager of STIHL Inc. “There is no other event like this in the world, and we know that loyal fans and air racing enthusiasts around the world look forward to the return of the fastest motorsport on earth.”

STIHL, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America, is known for power, precision and quality of engineering. They have has served as title sponsor since 2016.

The races will return September 15–19 with seven racing classes and a full slate of air show performers. Here’s what to expect:

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – Sept. 18 & 19
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an official air demonstration squadron proudly serving our country and providing air shows across the world. The American Airmen have an hour-long demonstration showcasing excellence and celebrating American patriotism. As the jets take to the skies and fly only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip, spectators will get a glimpse of the awesome skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess. Attendees on Friday, Sept. 17 will also be treated to a full 40-minute practice show.

F-22 Raptor Demonstration – Sept. 16-19
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers at airshows across the world to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. Now, the team has 19 total members to include public affairs and aircrew flight equipment technicians.

Tickets for 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races on Sale Now

Tickets for the 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races will be available now on the Reno Air Race website, www.airrace.org. Following a year delay the world’s fastest motorsport returns to the Reno skies for the 57th time September 15-19, 2021.

“When we made the decision to cancel the 2020 races our team was disappointed but not deterred. We were determined to find a safe way to bring air racing back to Reno and have spent the last several months planning for 2021 and beyond,” said Fred Telling, CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA.) “We are ready to safely and responsibly host another race week in Reno and celebrate the legacy that has kept us inspired and motivated during this year of challenges.”

The world-renowned event, sidelined last year by the global pandemic, opened ticket sales to the general public on April 7. Fans can expect a new, more seamless online ticketing platform and updated refund policies. 

Planning for the September 2021 event is currently underway. The Reno Air Racing Association will be following all local health and safety guidelines, more details about onsite policies and updates will be announced in the coming months.

As a non-profit, RARA relies on donations in addition to ticket sales, sponsorships and other direct income from the annual event and is asking for the community’s continued support. 

“We can’t thank our community enough for rallying to help us raise enough money to move forward with this year’s event,” said Logoteta. “Their generosity enabled us to start planning for 2021 but we have a way to go to be on solid footing for the future. This year’s early ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and other upcoming fundraisers are more important than ever to help preserve the legacy of the event.”

All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at AirRace.org or by check and mailed to 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-514-3849 ahead of the event.