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 Reno Air Racing Association’s Stihl National Championship Air Races are underway in Reno, Nevada, featuring 151 airplanes and 155 pilots across various competitive classes, including the return of STOL Drag.
The event was marked by tragedy prior to its start, with the death of pilot Sherman Smoot in an accident involving his aircraft, "Czech Mate," affecting the Unlimited Gold Trophy series.
Beyond the races, the event includes numerous airshow demonstrations by aircraft like the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, as well as the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.

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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).