Reno’s 2022 Air Races Kick Off This Week

The Stihl National Championship Air Races bring the September family back together for a dust-up in the valley.

Monday, September 12, 2022 at 06:41 PM ET

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The Sea Fury Dreadnought will be flown by Joel Swager, who looks to repeat his win in the Unlimited Gold class last year, when he clocked 426.896 mph. [Courtesy: Stihl National Championship Reno Air Races]

Key Takeaways:

The Stihl National Championship Air Races are taking place this week in Reno, Nevada, featuring 151 airplanes, 155 pilots, and a complete airshow experience.
The Unlimited Class proceeds despite the tragic death of pilot Sherman Smoot (Czech Mate) in a pre-event test flight, while the Biplane class includes former Thunderbird pilot Maj. Michael Brewer, and STOL Drag returns for its second year.
Beyond the races, the event includes demonstrations by military aircraft (F-22 Raptor, F/A-18 Super Hornet) and other aerobatic performers, as well as the National Aviation Heritage Invitational for classic aircraft.

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Come September—most every year—kids head back to school and the pilots who wish to test their skills in hot competition return to Reno, Nevada.

The Reno Air Racing Association’s Stihl National Championship Air Races kick off this week, with qualifying rounds beginning today, and official heats beginning Wednesday, September 14, and running through the weekend. The event brings a total of 151 airplanes, 155 pilots, and a complete airshow experience to the skies above and around the Reno/Stead Airport (KRTS).