Reno Air Race?
 

Hi

Has anybody been to Reno for the Air Race and what did you think?

I'm thinking of going out there in September.

A bunch of aerobatic competitors/airshow pilots with Pitts' went across for the entire week in 07. Yes it was great fun, despite several people being killed (right in front of us).

Would I go again? Yes. Would I just go for the two race days? Most likely.

Go before they ban it! It would NEVER be allowed in the UK.

Take off
Fly low
Turn left

Watched in awe as a Bearcat blew an engine, pulled up into the overhead then deadsticked it onto the "emergency" dirt strip.

Same Bearcat competed the next day with a new donkey bolted on.

Thanks for the reply.

As you say, I'm keen to see it before it undoubtedly gets banned.

Stik you forgot "fly fast"!

As he says, if you've got the chance, then Go!

The sound of Merlins, Griffons and assorted radials coming back towards you and round the last couple of pylons at just about full bore is awesome. I can still hear it and it's a decade since I went.

And get a pit pass if you still can. It doesn't cost much and is well worth it.

Totally recommend it. One of those "things to see before you die".

As already said - get there before they ban it!

That's my mind pretty much made up then.

I think I will go for the whole week. I know people have said that they would probably only go for the final couple days if they were to go again, but as this would be my first time I can always say that next year. There's also plenty of other things to do in the region if needbe.

Finally. I'm considering signing up for the one of the hospitality things (perhaps the chequered flag club). I know it's not exactly cheap, but if you factor in a ticket, pit pass and parking each day it's not outragously more expensive. I also read that they have the occasional interesting speaker/lecture throughout the week.

As one of the host who joined Stik a couple of years ago, I concur with everything he said.

I'd also add that the pit pass is essential as there's bugger-all else to do there if you aren't in the pits between races.

I was most impressed by the openness of the competitors. There were no drapes of secrecy hiding their modifications or anything like that. Everyone (and I mean everyone) I talked to would go on at length about what they had done to make their airplane faster, how they flew their race, etc. The guys from Nemesis even showed us some of the very-impressive telemetry that they use to get more grunt out of the engine. That bit, talking to the racers and mechanics in the pits, was what really made the week worthwhile for me.

As for parking, don't bother. Courtesy buses run from the hotels and turned out to be much better than driving ourselves.

On the casino front, the Peppermill is interesting, to say the least, and possibly unique in Reno for it's decor (but may not be to your liking if you're not into blue and green neon).

Have a great trip!

2112 - I was hoping that you'd expand on the nightlife!

I, having had no experience of it, couldn't comment.;)

Sounds good, think I'll get tickets for this September. Can one fly in? I may do a pit stop at Reno on our Border 2 Border trip......

Anyway, more exciting than Reno by far, this weekend is the Dorset Air Race at Compton Abbas...:}

I've been thinking about going for several years but have not managed it yet. I think that this year will be the one ! also enable me to pick up some parts for much less than the UK prices:ok:

Repeat offender !

Try turn 6 out in the boonies, they come over very low and very fast.

If you are a lady, get yourself down to Section 3 and join....... ask locally for instructions :E

Visit the small guys in the hangars, they are having huge fun.

Wait after the races, grab a margarita and go out into the corporate area, they don't mind. You will meet some great guys, enjoy some fantastic hospitality and also see some unusual flying as people leave and arrive. I was there when the first scratch jet race took place with the Stolichnaya Vodka Migs and the L39's - when the 17 lit up the burner, the crowd went wild !

Be there on Sunday and in a loud British voice check out the line up for the Unlimited Gold race by either country of airframe design, or country of engine design.... all bar a couple are British and one of the competition is Russian ! The Furies and Merlins lead the world 60 years on :ok:

When in Reno visit Louis' Basque Corner - and after the Sunday Gold race, go to Bertha Miranda's mexican - both have to be sampled.

Get your tickets from Scolari's supermarket on the way out - they are a buck or two cheaper as they sponsor the races and it is a great place to stock up.

Support the Boy's Club parking - they raise money for good causes.

Try the shooting range - great fun.

Get out to Virginia City and check out an original silver mining town.

Fly into San Fran and enjoy the wonderful drive out.

Above all, do it now, before they stop it.

Great advice! We did...

The acts between the races are great, just wish Hoover was still doing his stuff. Just caught him before HE made the decision to retire.

And I wish somebody had been racing a Tigercat when I was there. What an aircraft. If anybody has spare cash, we need one back in the UK.

see you there!!!:ok:

Booked my flights and staying at the Silver Legacy. No idea what it's like, but got a pretty good price and it's not that I intend on spending much time there.

If anyone's planning on being there and fancies meeting up over a cold one drop me a PM.

Night life in the pits goes off.
I camped at the airfield for a couple of days, man waking to the testing in the mornings is something else.
But definitely go back at night.

I flew there from Vancouver in 2000. It was impossible to get clearance from Stead field itself (limited to competitors etc) but slots were available at Reno Intl. The challenge of arriving on time for a slot from Canada seemed (and was!) a bit of a challenge at the time and so in the event I went to non towered Quincy, CA, about a 2 Hr drive away. Now I'd go straight to Reno and benefit from shuttle buses, etc..

Things may have changed at Stead, of course - worth a call.