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Run What You Brung

Friday, October 01, 2021 at 02:45 PM ET

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STOL Drag made its Reno Air Races debut last month. Mark Loper

Key Takeaways:

STOL Drag racing is a unique competition where the first plane to completely stop after a 2000-foot flight and 180-degree turn wins, not necessarily the fastest plane.
The races are popular due to their accessibility, allowing various aircraft to compete, and the close proximity of spectators to the action.
Success in STOL Drag often depends on efficient braking and quick turns, favoring aircraft designed for short takeoffs and landings, such as bush planes.
The sport is gaining popularity, attracting both pilots and fans familiar with online aviation personalities, and offers a relatively accessible entry point for aspiring competitors with appropriate training.

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“This is absolutely exciting!”

Josh Richling is a crew chief in the National STOL Series. He covers STOL competitions for FLYING.