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RENO AIR RACES PROVIDE EXCITEMENT AROUND EVERY PYLON

By Anthony Taylor

The 63rd running of the National Championship Air Races in Reno were a success in September 2021.

Aviation fans returned to Stead Field for some much needed outdoor excitement. The racing was excellent in all six classes, as well as the recent addition of the STOL Drag races.

The amount of resources it takes to put on this event is monumental, in a normal year. With the flight restrictions abroad hindering the participation of long-time volunteers, somehow the Reno Air Race Association managed to stay the course and keep the machine running. I haven’t heard the numbers from those that passed through the gates over the four days of racing, however, my understanding is fairly encouraging, considering the many hurdles that had to be overcome.

We all want this event to continue, moving forward. My hope is that, as we look forward to 2022, there is still enough interest by pilots, crews, fans and especially those volunteers working six months out of the year behind the scenes, we will see this one-of-a-kind spectacle thrive for another decade and beyond.

Thanks for tuning in.

For this “Photo Finish,” here are four of the Gold Class winners.

Justin Meaders banking around pylon 2 in his Snoshoo SR-1 Limitless, taking the Gold Formula Championship with an average speed of 237.020mph. (Courtesy Anthony Taylor)

Jeff LaVelle and his Glassair III Race 39. These Sport Class racers are the real deal. Jeff took home the Gold, averaging over 400mph on Sunday. Keep your eye on this class in the future. (Courtesy Anthony Taylor) Chris Rushing and his AT-6B Barons Revenge out at pylon 8 for the T-6 Gold Final, averaging 234.862mph for first place. (Courtesy Anthony Taylor)

Finally, in the Unlimiteds, the Sanders family took home a 1-2-3 in the Gold Championship final. Joel Swager was given a good push from Brent Hisey in Miss America. Swager took first place in the Hawker Sea Fury TMk. 20 Dreadnought, marking the 7th Gold Championship for this airplane, 5 of which were earned at Reno, beginning in 1983. (Courtesy Anthony Taylor)