Check Out Reno National Championship Air Races
See Vintage War Birds Take to the Skies Over Reno/Stead Airport
Aug 18, 2008
The Reno National Championship Air Races celebrate 46 years of entertainment in 2009, and they take place September 16 through the 20th. Experiencing the Reno Air Races is a real treat. Enjoy the thrill of air racing on a desert course surrounding the Stead Airport, and see vintage planes and military aircraft in the static (ground) display, along with a world-class airshow that promises to keep spectators on the edge of thier seats.
See military aircraft display their might, aerobatic pilots put their planes through some amazing stunts, and the Air Force Thunderbirds will put on an unforgettable show. There are food booths and vendor booths located inside the air races, too.
The Race Classes
Unlimiteds. The fastest aircraft in the races, with speeds up to 500 miles per hour. Usually classic World War II fighters, like the P-51 Mustang, the Sea Fury, the Corsair, and the Bear Cat.
T-6 class. Stock aircraft, including the original T-6 "Texan," the Canadian "Harvard," and the US Navy "SNJ" aircraft, that reach speeds around 220 to 230 miles per hour.
Biplanes. Small, quick aircraft with a double set of wings that can fly over 200 miles per hour, and include planes like the Pitts Special.
Formula One. Formula Ones are all powered by the Continental O-200 engine, and they can reach approximately 250 miles an hour. Many of these aircraft are homebuilt or experimental aircraft.
Sport. Model- or kit-built planes, and they can reach 350 miles per hour during their races.
Jet class. Jets are the newest class to be added to the air races, and these small jets can reach 400 miles per hour.
Location
The air races are held at Reno Stead Field in Stead, about 20 minutes north of downtown Reno on Highway 395. Follow 395 north to the Stead exit; turn right on Stead Boulevard. Follow Stead Boulevard to the airport, parking lots are located near the entrance gates. Parking runs $5 to $10 or more for the day.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the air races on the day of the event, or they can be purchased online if ordered by July 31 each year. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, or phone the air race association at 775-972-6663. Ticket prices vary from $10 to $75 (for the entire event), and children under 7 are free when they accompany an adult. There are senior and military discounts, as well.
Shuttles
Ride shuttles provided Amador Stage Lines from several Reno locations. Catch a shuttle at:
John Ascuaga's Nugget 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks. Find the shuttle between the hotel and the parking garage on 11th Street.
Eldorado Hotel & Casino 345 North Virginia Street, Reno Find the shuttle on 4th Street between Virginia and Sierra Streets.
Grand Sierra Resort [formerly Reno Hilton] 2500 East 2nd Street, Reno. You can find the shuttle at the Motor Coach Transportation Area on the south side of the hotel.
Peppermill Hotel Casino 2707 South Virginia Street, Reno. At the Motor Coach Boarding Area
On Wednesday, September 10, there will be shuttle service at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the shuttle will return from the airfield at 4:30 p.m.
On the 17 through the 20, shuttles operate in both directions between the pickup locations and the airfield between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day. Between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. you can find one-way return service from the airfield to the pickup/drop off locations.
Purchase shuttle tickets at the Grand Sierra and Eldorado resorts in advance. One-way tickets are $11 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and children under 5 are free. Round trip tickets are $19 for adults and $10 for children under 12, children under 5 are free. There are packages available, too.
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