Thunder Over Reno

Reno, Nev. – September 20, 2006 – What do you get when you mix fast planes flying low, lots of noise and a $1 million purse? You get the 2006 National Championship Races and Air Show, held Sept. 13-17 near Reno, Nev. With airplanes reaching speeds of 500 mph, the races featured five days of air racing by six classes of aircraft, including the popular World War II fighters. The annual event also included an air show that featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, top aerobatic performers, military and civilian flight demonstrations and a large display of static aircraft. The 2006 races weren’t only fast, but safe. Only one person sustained minor injuries, and that happened in the pits when an oxygen tank in the back of a P-51 Mustang blew out the sides of the plane, the Reno Gazette Journal reported. The non-profit Reno Air Racing Association organizes the air race and show, which carries on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. Although air racing in Cleveland ended in 1949, the Reno races have been held annually since 1964, interrupted only once — in 2001 when all aircraft in the United States were grounded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More than 200,000 people attended the 2006 air races and show, which has an annual economic impact to the Reno area of about $75 million. Missed this year’s competition? Don’t worry, there’s always next year. The 44th air race and show will be held Sept. 12-16, 2007 at Reno Stead Field THE WINNERS Unlimited Class — Mike Brown had the winning speed of 481.619 mph, while Matt Jackson finished second with a speed of 453.559 mph/ Sport Class — Rod Von Grote cut a pylon to give Jon Sharp the win with a speed of 360.389 mph. The cut put Von Grote in second with an official speed of 358.557. T-6 Class — Nick Macy flew Race 6 "Six Cat" to a win at 235.609 mph. Dennis Buehn finished second at 229.100 mph. Formula One Class — Gary Hubler was victorious at 257.047 mph, with second place going to David Hoover at 254.587 mph. Biplane Class — Tom Aberle won with a speed of 251.958. Jeffrey Lo placed second at 231.685 mph. Jet Class — John Penney won with an official speed of 470.195 mph. Rick Vandam finished second at 443.349 mph. For full results, click here.

Four Unlimited Racers head into a turn during the National Championship Races and Air Show held September 13 – 17, near Reno, Nevada. Race 105 turns tight around a pylon while competing at the National Championship Races. Pilots fly a set course around several pylons. Not flying around, or “cutting”, a pylon will result in penalty time being added to a pilot’s race time. As is typical at Fly-Ins and Air Shows around the world, World War II-era fighters are the highlight of the National Championship Races. For More Information Race Classes Pylons

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