Reno Air Races

This is the week of the Reno Air Races. It is some what ironic that last week was the Great Reno Balloon Races and this week are the Reno Air Races. Within two weeks Reno hosts the Great Reno Balloon Race and the Reno Air Races. From the age of un-powered flight to powered flight back to back.

Love it!

I have been fortunate to have been going to the races on and off for over 30 years. I remember living in the dorms at the University of Nevada, Reno and hearing the sound of P-51's and P-38's flying out to Stead for the air show and the races. If you have never gone to the Reno Air Races treat yourself to something special.

Air Races at one time were common across the country but over the years these very special races have gone into the history books but today in Reno one can see at one time a collection of history dating back to the first world war. Not only can you see history that made the 20th century. You can watch history fly! Many of these planes are now worth well over $1 million dollars and in Reno you can hear and watch these planes actually fly. Over the years planes from the WW1 years, the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's to F22 are all here and you can actually touch many of them. Ever wanted to stand next to a Mig 15 and a F-86 and a F-117 and talk to the men and women that have flown them? Then come out this week and experience a stunning event.

When you go, not "if", go. Take a hat, take a light coat, sunscreen, be prepared for wind, sun, hot and cold, heck, this is Nevada! Bring good walking shoes (the runway is over a mile long and you can easily walk from one end to the other and back again. Bring a camera (but save the film on the actual racing and the air show, the planes are too far away and too fast to get a good shot, just enjoy the show) and get a pit pass and walk the planes and take your photos. The crews love to talk about their planes and still today you can stand next to a gentlemen that is old, grey and maybe even needing some help walking . Listen and he will tell you about being 22 and flying that plane into harms way.

Listen to the stories that the Reno Air Races bring to life. Talk with you soon.