Reno Air Races
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The Reno Air Races, also known as the National Championship Air Races, take place annually at the Reno Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada, USA. Air racing is billed as 'the world's fastest motor sport' and Reno is one of the few remaining venues. Begun in 1964, the Reno Air Races feature extremely high performance aircraft on closed courses which range between 3.11 miles (Biplanes and Formula One) and 8.355 miles (Jet, Unlimited) in length.
Aircraft in the Unlimited class, which consists almost entirely of both modified and stock World War II fighters, routinely reach speeds in excess of 400 miles per hour. In 2003, Skip Holm's modified P-51D Mustang, Dago Red, reached an all-time speed record of 507.105 mph around the 50 mile course. The recently added Sport Class racers, mostly homebuilt aircraft, are already reaching speeds in excess of 350 mph.
The Reno Air Races last four days of actual heats, as well as several previous days of qualifying heats, and feature airshows and other entertainment between races.
Race Classes
- Biplane: 3.11-mile course, speeds reaching nearly 230 mph.
- T-6: 4.99-mile course, speeds reaching 230 mph.
- Formula One: 3.11-mile course, speeds reaching 250 mph.
- Sport: 6.39-mile course, speeds reaching 350 mph.
- Jet: 8.355-mile course, speeds exceeding 450 mph.
- Unlimited: 8.355-mile course, speeds exceeding 500 mph.
Other Air Races
Reno Air Racing Association (http://www.airrace.org)
Air Racing UK (http://airraceuk.com)