National Championship Air Races 2014

Well here we are with July almost done.  The crews are working long hours preparing their steeds.  The work never ends.  A little recap from last year.  Precious Metals racing engine developed issues and they had to pull it and replace with stock engine and pilot Thom Richard flew it from Florida.  During qualifying Voodoo flew with a special motor and then changed it out with the racing motor, strategy.  During qualifications Matt Jackson in Strega lost part of the canopy and had to make a successful emergency landing.  They found another one, did the modifications and started in the Bronze class racing on Friday to win his way back to the Gold Class. #232 an Hawker Seafury sustained damage to the engine and cowling forcing a Mayday and emergency landing.  This is just a small sample of how racing week is in Reno Air Races.

This year
   -Voodoo teams is working hard on the engines and airframe preparing for this year

   - Strega is pretty quiet as Tiger is back at the controls

   - Precious Metal teams is working on their racing motor for the races

   - Several Hawker Seafuries will be there again
        + 232

        + Dreadnaught

        + Sawbones

Just to mention a few

Then you have the Rare Bear (Bearcat) and either Here Kitty or LaPatrona  (Tigercat) flown by Rod Lewis.

Now that is just the unlimited, you have  formula one,biplanes, T-6's, Sport, and Jet that have just as much work and excitement.

Now I challenge the young aeronautical engineers to come up with your version of an unlimited class airplane, build it and race it.  We need some new blood and new styles of racing planes to start replacing our cherished WWII airplanes.

2014 Reno Air Races

OK June is done today.  Do you have your tickets to the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) yet?  If not be sure to get them and a room for the races (September 11-14).  This year is going to be very interesting.  The Jet class and the Sport Class have a few more new comers so the field will be bigger for more excitement.  Also Tiger Destefani has attended the Pylon Racing School (PRS) in June to re certify to race Strega (P-51D) in September.  He says Steven Hinton Jr. needs some competition who will be flying Voodoo (P-51D) which won last year.  Steven Hinton Jr. is a four time Gold winner and Tiger Destefani is an seven time Gold winner.  This should be fun to watch the old school vs the new school.  Reno Air Racing Association has announced the will be having live music during the air racing with concerts in the evenings.  There should be something for everyone.  Share with your friends and come out and enjoy a few days of awesome aviation.  See you there in September and remember to bring sunscreen as there is very little shade on the tarmac and the stands.

Reno Air Races 2014

Well it getting closer to that magical time of year where the best world class aviators gather in Reno, Nevada to thrill the audience with racing, aerobatics, jet precession flying and our military demonstration to blow your mind September 10-14 2014.  This event is entering the 51st year and is becoming more and more exciting by the minute.  They are planning a press release soon to share the changes to make your experience there more enjoyable.  Here are some pictures of past planes to enjoy till you come and experience for your self.  The website for the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is airrace.org .

Reno National Championship Air Races 2014 are a go!

 

Well folks it looks like the annual Reno National Championship Air Races (NCAR) is on for 2014.  They have raised all the necessary funds to make another year.  What this also means that the purse could be higher to hopefully bring in more contestants.  The Air Races will be celebrating their 51st year and hope to bring in more air racing fans.  During the past races the need for the younger generation to participate and lead the charge is now critical.  Younger pilots, owners and aeronautical engineers are needed to develop planes for the unlimited class to replace the old world war II fighters which for us old farts has a place in our hearts with their glorious history.  I have seen concept designs by artists that would be real cool if it was built, tested and certified.  But hey, that's for the future.  There are 6 classes to choose from now.  Formula 1, Biplanes, Sport, T-6's, Jet, and Unlimited.  If you know someone racing or pick one to follow, it will become exciting.  Be part of the next 50 years and establish your legacy or even rivalries for the fans to cheer on.  So make those reservations and get those tickets and pit passes now.  Mark the calendar for September 10-14 2014.  I will be posting updates and hopefully a little history for you to enjoy.

P-51XR Precious Metal 2012

Reno National Championship Air Races is 15 days away

Well race fans, 15 days till time trials and 18 days till race time.  Got your tickets???  Hope so cause I believe this will be an exciting one.  All the planes are flying and the mechanics are doing their magic.  P-51 fans will be happy to know that Voodoo pilot Steve Hinton Jr. has done a test flight and they are happy.  Now just how happy, I don't know.  Bob Jackson has also gone up with Strega getting used to the different plane.  Radial fans for the Seafurys and Rare Bear community are busy as well.  Another plane returning from the past is Czech Mate an Yak 11. I am sure the Jet teams are getting things worked out as well as the Sport, Formula Ones and Bi Planes teams. 

Voodoo with the morning moon 2011

 Czech Mate 2009 

 The entertainment side of the air show will real exciting as well.  They have Jetman as an premiere performer as this will be his only appearance in the U.S. .  The Patriots Team - L-39 Formation Team.  Kent Pietsch flying his 1942 Interstate S-1 Cadet, sporting the Jelly Belly logo having fun thrilling the crowd.  David Martin will be flying his Extra 300S with some amazing stunts as well.  And you will see Smoke N Thunder Jet car racing back and forth in front of the crowd which is fun to watch.  Michael Goulian will also perform some awesome aerobatics.  And last but not least Clay Lacey and his Learjet will perform.  Wow, there will be literally no stop to the action this year.  Hope you plan on attending this very special occasion, it will be hard to beat.

Fist time attending Reno National Championship Air Races ?

So this will be your first visit to the World Famous Reno National Championship Air Races held at Stead Airport just north of Reno.  You ask what do I expect when I arrive?  Well here are a few hints to help you get started and hopefully an enjoyable experience.

How are you getting there, car or plane?

If by car, you will need lodging.  Go on line and do a search for what your budget will allow and then make reservations to secure your room.  Next you will drive to Stead Airport North of town approximately 12-14 miles depending on where you stay.  You will then park in the general admission parking lot and walk in to the gates.  If you fly in and rent a car this will apply as well.  You can either buy your tickets at the gate or online through RARA website.  You will have some decisions to make since there are several options available.  There is general admission, reserve seating, box seats etc.  Again go online to RARA (http://www.airrace.org/index.php) and see what will work best for you.  You will also have an opportunity to buy pit passes as well and is highly encouraged.

If you are flying in again you will need lodging.  You will have some options for transportation, you can either rent a car or use the shuttles that will be available at some casinos in town.  I have stayed at the Peppermill in Reno and John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks.  Again chose whatever suits your budget.  Both have excellent on site restaurants available or diners close by as well as the other casinos.  The shuttles are very good as they drop you off and pick you up right at the front gate and makes life a lot less stressful.  They run several buses both in the morning and after the races so you will need to think ahead and be sure you don't miss the last one.

Once you are there be sure to pick up an program to see what the schedule is and what performers are performing.  Be sure you have sun block and a hat to protect you from the sun which can be intense during the day.  Drink lots of water to keep hydrated.  If your sitting in either the reserved or general sections it is highly recommended to bring one of those portable stadium seats with the cushion and backrest cause after awhile those steel bench seats get very hard and the back starts to hurt.  Take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool down now and then.  To be honest there is no bad seat, you can see the racers and performers from anywhere on the grounds   Only thing is in general seating if you leave your seat you may not have it when you return that's where reserved seating works a little better.  You won't be able to use umbrellas in the stands for obvious reasons as you will be interfering with other peoples line of site.  Believe me when I say that a day at the races will be awesome and you will be tired at the end of the day but happy.  So get your reservations, plan ahead and have the time of your life for your first time and I am sure it will not be your last time.  Only 24 days before the races begin.

Reno National Championship Air Races 50th Anniversary

Wow it is hard to believe it is that time of year again.  September 9-11 2013 the Reno National Championship Air Races begin with the time trials to qualify.  Then on September 12-15 the 50th anniversary of the coveted event thrills the audience again.  This event is the only one that allows spectators to watch these world class airplanes race fifty feet above the ground and wing tip to wing tip which can be extremely exciting for all.  This year we will be seeing familiar pilots with new top runners.  Voodoo (P-51D) is making a comeback and has Steve Hinton Jr. at the controls moving from the Strega (P-51D) camp, and Matt Jackson has replaced Steve in Strega due to his plane Furious (Hawker Sea Fury) crashed after qualifying when the landing gear collapsed during landing last year.  They also are welcoming back a past contender OleYeller (P-51D) flown by John Bagley.  Now this is just the Unlimited Warbird Division.  You have the Jet, Sport, T-6, BiPlane and Formula One Divisions as well.  When your not watching the races you can buy a pit pass and tour the planes up close and personal and talk with the pilots and crews.  Lodging is going to be tight so make you reservations now.  Please don't miss this special event.  Below are some shots during the 2012 races.  Enjoy

 

Unlimited

 



 

 

 

T-6's

 





 

Sport

 

Jet

Formula One

 

Bi Planes