Gardnerville photographer J.T. Humphrey took this photo of a P-51 Mustang taking off from Stead Air Base during the 2019 National Championship Air Races.
Tickets for the 59th and final National Championship Air Races are on sale for the Sept. 13-17 event at www.airrace.org.
The event, which is a contender for the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award, will feature seven classes of air racing plus military and civilian demonstrations.
“The National Championship Air Races are a one-of-a-kind event full of aerial skill and showmanship which has united millions of spectators from around the globe for decades,” said Reno Air Racing Association Chairman Fred Telling. “While this year’s race is our last at the Reno-Stead Airport, we are excited to celebrate our legacy while ensuring that this year’s event is a tremendous success for our association and this community.”
In addition to general admission tickets, attendees may purchase tickets for reserved grandstand seats, box seats and pit passes or more exclusive options such as the Chairman’s Hospitality Tent and Checkered Flag Club.
Tickets for the 2023 Awards Banquet also offer attendees an option to enjoy a catered dinner while mingling with the racers from all seven classes as they receive their awards.
“In addition to the thrills of racing, aerial acrobatics and our regular festivities, fans can also expect nostalgia and tributes to nearly six decades of racing in northern Nevada,” Telling said. “With tickets going on sale, we’re excited to offer early bird pricing and encourage dedicated fans and new attendees to purchase now before prices go up. We’re looking forward to providing additional updates on the event in the coming weeks and look forward to reuniting with our air race family at this year’s event.”
The 2023 event will feature more than 150 planes and pilots as well as several hands-on displays and experiences including the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone, heritage displays, military demonstrations and static displays and more. The event will also mark the third year of competition for the Short Take-Off and Landing Drag.
To learn more about the event’s final year, vote in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award or purchase tickets, visit https://airrace.org.
