Historic Air Race in Reno Gains a Stronger Foothold

With Oris signing up as the new timepiece sponsor, the Stihl National Championship Air Races solidifies its presence. Robert Shallaberger/Jet City Press

With Breitling bowing out as the official sponsor of the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, a few years ago, there were questions whether the revered competition would be able to continue. But Stihl stepped up as the main sponsor and, this week, the Reno Air Race Association announced it has procured Oris as the official timepiece sponsor for the 2018 Stihl National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, set to take place September 12 to 16.

This year marks the 55th edition of the races and Oris is designing a limited edition watch to mark the anniversary. The Swiss watchmaker is setting up a booth in the pits area, where visitors can take a closer look and also purchase the special timepiece.

In addition to the races, which feature Formula One, Biplane, Sport, T-6, Jet and Unlimited airplanes, the promises an exciting airshow, with the Patriots Jet Team, the Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco, F-16 demonstration, Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Truck, and more.

Tickets for the air races are already available for purchase online. You can buy tickets for general admission, reserved seating, hospitality tents, box seats and the pits, where you will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the race airplanes and pilots. Click here to learn more about the historic races.

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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