RENO (AP) — Organizers of the National Championship Air Races in Reno have reached a $1.2 million deal with the Swiss watchmaker Breitling to be the title sponsor of the 50th annual event this fall.
The three-year agreement helps shore up the financial backing of the races at Reno Stead Airport after a deadly crash in 2011 sent insurance costs sky-rocketing and put the future of the competition in jeopardy.
Air Races CEO Mike Houghton says the Nevada Commission on Tourism is continuing its role as the host sponsor of the event Sept. 11-15 under the banner TravelNevada.com
Houghton says they wouldn’t have made it to their silver anniversary without the state stepping up to help in the aftermath of the crash that killed a pilot and 10 spectators and injured dozens more.
