The Beginning of Biplane Racing at Reno

By Marilyn Dash

Marilyn DashThe first Air Races in Reno started in 1964. Most of you know the story of Bill Stead and his dream to recreate the Cleveland Air Races in the high desert. But, not many of you know how the Biplanes became part of the project.

Legend has it that Stead went to the Merced Antique Fly-In in 1964 and met up with Sandy Sanders. Sandy was there announcing for several of the airshow acts.  Bill was there to promote the upcoming races and to look over some of the acts with an eye on booking them for the races. Bill told Sandy about the event and asked him to come up and assist with the announcing duties.