News

Sep
28
2022 Sport Gold Champion – Mathias Haid

Tom McNerney September 28, 2022

Mathias Haid Wins! Mathias Haid overcame what most people would consider a hard start to a week of racing with a complete engine change.  With poor weather closing in, an engine that wasn’t too happy and the available qualifying days ticking down to zero, Mathias was able to squeeze out a lap to get Sport 51 on the qualifying list at 314.761 mph, in light rain no less.  With a time officially on the board, that gave the dedicated crew some time to figure out what that V12 engine needed.  The highly tuned race motor just wasn’t happy so the Thunder Mustang crew began an engine change to what some call a ‘ferry’ or ‘transport’ motor.  This engine has less horsepower, but much more reliable.  Thankfully fellow racer Matt Ramsey had his spare engine available after his race motor failed on Sunday during the first practice.  With engine on hand, tools a plenty and a crew to work late nights, they started the swap. It turns out this more reliable engine would power Sport 51 to a win on Sunday, the most important day.  It was a joy to see Mathias return to the ramp and share the excitement with the rest of the Sport Class, as shown in the photos.  He has gone from a tiara wearing rookie of the year to Sport Class Champion and we couldn’t be more proud of what he has accomplished.  Congratulations Mathias and crew, well deserved. ~Tom McNerney ~ Photos by: Mark Loper

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Jan
15
One Step Closer! – National Championship Air Races 2021

James Stringer January 15, 2021

(Copied from Reno Air Racing Association Press Release) UPDATE! The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that following the successful “Save The Races” fundraising campaign that ran from Nov. 13–Dec. 31, 2020 the National Championship Air Races will be returning for its 57th year Sept. 15–19, 2021 pending COVID-19 restrictions. “After canceling the 2020 event we found ourselves with a significant financial loss that we knew would be a tremendous challenge to overcome, but with the support of the air racing community, the RARA Board of Directors and STOL pilot Trent Palmer we were able to raise over $460,000 of our $500,000 goal,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “With the evolving health situation we will continue to follow the guidelines set by officials and are optimistic that by September we will have the resources needed to ensure the show is both safe to attend and can deliver on the exceptional experience the National Championship Air Races are known for.” By nearly reaching the $500,000 goal RARA will be able to make adjustments and resume the planning process for the event while still moving forward with new fundraising opportunities to make up the difference. “We are thrilled to bring the air races back to Reno and reunite our September family,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “While we still need to bridge the financial gap and have a lot of work ahead of us it’s nice to have something to look forward to after such a difficult year. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and are committed, as always, to putting on a spectacular event in 2021.”

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Nov
13
RARA’s fundraising campaign to “Save The Races” sets a goal of raising $500,000 by the end of 2020

James Stringer November 13, 2020

RENO, Nev. (November 13, 2020) – After the heartache of canceling the 2020 National Championship Air Races due to COVID-19, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is determined to bring the world’s fastest motorsport back to the high desert of Northern Nevada in 2021, but it won’t be possible without additional support. RARA, a charitable 501(c)3, is asking for help by launching a fundraising campaign to “Save The Races” with the goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year. “Canceling was not a decision that was made lightly, and the repercussions have been significant both fiscally and emotionally. We greatly missed our September Family but safety and following Nevada’s restrictions on gathering size unquestionably had to be our priority as we sought to preserve the long-term viability of the Reno Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “We are doing everything in our power to make next year happen but we can’t do it alone. We’re asking our fans and supporters to help show 2020 that it won’t get the best of us, that we will continue the legacy of this event for many years to come.” Read more …

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Feb
6
NCAR 2019 – Sport Class Gold & Silver race starts

James Stringer February 6, 2020

This video was shot from the L39 pace plane during the start of each of the Silver and Gold class races. It’s not the greatest quality, as it was all shot from Tom’s cell phone sitting on the canopy rail of the L39. However, it gives a sense of how exciting it is coming down the chute in line abreast at race speed just as the race is starting.

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