RENO NV – After 50 years the “Need for Speed” flying aces of the National Championship Air Races kickoff its final event here in Northern Nevada. What has become a classic tradition of speed and bravery in the Nevada skies, will hold five days of world class races in the airways above Stead. Visitors have been blessed with this thrilling event for generations in Reno but their permits were not renewed after 2023 and the event will be finding a new home.
The 59th National Championship Air Races will take place for the final time at the Reno-Stead Airport on September 13-17.
Performances start at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday and run all the way through Sunday afternoon. To see a full line-up, click here.
Catch the last hair raising Checkered Flag Event
While upgraded tickets are sold out, general admission tickets and pit passes remain available. Military discounts are also provided.
This year’s lineup includes performances from the Air Force, Navy and several civilian performers. The action-packed schedule features over 150 planes and pilots bedazzling crowds almost continuously from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
More than 150 planes, pilots, and several hands-on displays are at this year’s event.
Discover the Thrilling Legacy of Aviation at the 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno!
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of aviation history as you join us for the 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno. This exceptional event pays homage to the illustrious tradition of air racing, dating back to the legendary Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Founded by the visionary Bill Stead in 1964, this awe-inspiring spectacle has evolved into an unmissable aviation extravaganza, attracting enthusiasts and adventurers from across the globe.
Spanning over 50 years, the Reno National Championship Air Races have persevered through history’s challenges, with only two cancellations to their name. In the wake of the September 11, 2001, tragedy, the event displayed solidarity with the grounding of all U.S. aircraft, and in 2020, the pandemic-induced pause ensured the safety of all involved. Now, in 2023, we invite you to witness this triumphant resurgence as we celebrate the spirit of aviation.
Each September, the sprawling desert terrain just north of Reno transforms into a bustling hub of aviation excellence. For a captivating week, the skies come alive with the roar of engines, hosting a diverse fleet of aircraft and their dedicated pilots and crews. With over a decade of rich history, the event has played host to more than 1 million spectators, offering a riveting spectacle that transcends the boundaries of ordinary air shows.
But the National Championship Air Races offer more than just a visual feast; they’re an economic powerhouse for the northern Nevada region. Over the past ten years, this event has injected a staggering $750 million into the local economy, proving its significance beyond the skies.
Our event features seven thrilling racing classes, where the world’s top aviators go head-to-head in breathtaking aerial competitions. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to explore an impressive display of static aircraft, including both military and civilian marvels. The aviation aficionado in you will be delighted by mesmerizing flight demonstrations, where the skies become a canvas for awe-inspiring feats of aerial prowess.
So, why should you visit the National Championship Air Races in Reno in 2023? The answer is simple: it’s an unrivaled opportunity to witness history, embrace the thrill of aviation, and immerse yourself in a world where the past, present, and future of flight unite. Join us and be a part of the legacy that soars above the clouds.
Featured image Courtesy of Reno Air Races
