The National Championship Air Races and Unlimited Division of the National Air Racing Group Make Announcement Regarding New Racing Class
Reno, Nev. — Today, representatives of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and the Unlimited Division of the National Air Racing Group (UDNAG) made an announcement that will serve to guarantee Unlimited Racing far into the future. This comes on the heels of the introduction of the new Unlimited & Warbird Racing Class (UWRC) and will ensure that current members of the Unlimited Division can become members of this new racing organization and compete in September.
“Unlimited racing has a long, storied and proud tradition at the National Championship Air Races,” said Mike Houghton, president and CEO of RARA. “This agreement guarantees a full representation of Unlimited racers and owners in Reno to help celebrate the 50th year of closed course pylon racing in Reno and for many years to come.”
As previously announced, Air Race legend and seven-time Unlimited champion Bill “Tiger” Destefani will serve as president of the U&WRC and the remaining members of the class board, will consist of race pilots, owners and RARA representatives. This partnership will place us all on the same side of the table with a common goal. “Over the next several days and weeks we will make announcements regarding the specific names that will be added to the UWRC Governing Board.”
“Both the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and the Unlimited Division share the common perspective that safety is our foremost priority. As we move forward, we will work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue to refine current rules and create new rules that are in the best interest of race fans, pilots and officials,” said Matt Jackson, veteran race pilot and UDNAG vice president. “One significant change will be the addition of a designated representative from the race class to serve on the contest committee judging their specific race. This added pilot insight will help the contest committee rule on situational issues.”
Originally, the deadline for entry was set for Friday, June 21. However, as part of this agreement, RARA has extended the deadline for entries into the UWRC for the 50th annual National Championship Air Races to Monday, July 1 at 5 p.m. PDT. Participating pilots and aircraft will be announced over the coming weeks at www.airrace.org, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RenoAirRaceAssociation and on Twitter @RenoAirRaces.
“Great things happen when dedicated people sit face-to-face,” said Mike Houghton, president of RARA. “The Reno Air Racing Association is grateful to Matt Jackson, veteran race pilot and vice president of the Unlimited Division of the National Air Racing Group and veteran race pilot Dennis Sanders for flying to Reno to help us all work to posture Unlimited Air Racing for the future.”
The 50th annual National Championship Air Races take place Sept. 11-15 at the Reno Stead Airport. For tickets or for more information, visit www.airrace.org or call (775) 972-6663.
About the National Championship Air Races
Held every September just north of Reno, the National Championship Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. In the past 10 years, the event has attracted more than 200,000 spectators per year and generated more than $80 million a year for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
