Watch Reno National Air Races Sept. 16-20, 2009
Nevada Flying Contests One of Top 100 Events in U.S.A.
Apr 17, 2008
The Reno National Championship Air Races is rated (along with the Reno Rodeo) among the top 100 events in the U.S. Dates for the 45th annual races have been set for September 10-16, 2008. They are held at Reno Stead Field, about eight miles north of the city.
Pre-Race Activity
A complete show of both races and flying exhibitions is presented Thursday through Sunday from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. However, the excitement starts well in advance of the races.
Spectators arrive early so they can take their time browsing through the flight-related memorabilia for sale in booths behind the stands – videos of previous years’ air races, logo caps and jackets, books with their authors on hand to autograph them. There are static displays of aircraft to admire and spectators who buy pit passes can watch the mechanics and pilots hover over their airplanes, making last-minute adjustments.
The Races
Piloted by the best racing pilots from around the world, six classes of aircraft -- Formula One, Sport, Biplane, T-6, Jet Class and Unlimited -- fly around courses of various lengths.
TheFormula One aircraft are powered by Continental 0-200 engines, the same 100 hp engines that are used in the Cesna 150. The engines and planes must comply with a number of requirements such as weights and sizes of every engine part and the weight of the aircraft, as well as landing gear, propeller and wing size specifications. The Reno Formula One course is 3.19 miles. Many of the Formula One planes are built by the pilots who fly them.
T-6 class aircraft were originally used as advanced trainers for pilots transitioning from flying basic trainers to front-line tactical aircraft like the P-51 Mustang. Fastest of the T-6 aircraft usually post race speeds of from 220 to 230 mph.
The Jet class was inaugurated in 2002 as an invitation-only event. Two years later, participation was opened to any qualified pilot, and was further expanded in 2007 to include a larger array of jet aircraft.
The Sport Class highlights innovation in the development of kit-built aircraft. Eligible aircraft include production model kit-built aircraft powered by reciprocating engines of 650 cu. in. or less. All aircraft must have a current FAA-issued airworthiness certificate.
The aerobatic Biplanes, which go down the runway two abreast, are the only aircraft to begin racing on takeoff.
The Unlimited Class, featuring the fastest-moving machines in motor sports, is open to all piston-driven aircraft with empty weight greater than 4,500 pounds. Most of the planes flown in these races are stock or modified WWII fighters such as Mustangs, F-8Fs, Bearcats, Hawker Sea Fury . The Unlimited Class races typically take seven to nine minutes.
Other Air Action
Precision flying by groups like the Canadian Snowbirds and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a host of aerobatic stars and even a wing-walker or two keep spectators on the edge of their seats when the planes aren't racing.
Tickets for grandstand and reserved seating are sold for individual days or all events. There are special prices for juniors (8 to 15 years) and seniors (over 62 years) Children under the age of seven are admitted without charge if accompanied by an adult. Reserved seat holders may bring along ice chests and picnic hampers, but they are not permitted in the grandstands. There are, however, a number of food and beverage vendors at the races.
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