Why Reno Racing REALLY Ended (It wasn't the crash)

[@55Reever]

The city of Reno use to rely on events like the air races, balloon festival, Hot August Night and the rodeo. Those events drew people in from Sacramento and the bay area. Now Reno has grown so much that they rely less on tourist revenue. Something else as far as sponsorship goes, the casinos aren't involved in the races like they used to be. Perhaps another community would see the value of the event.

[@Brian.Murray]

That's the hope. A fresh venue that see's the potential. We will see tho.

[@WarblesOnALot]

@@Brian.Murray G'day, Look up Anthropogenic Global Warming... The Biosphere is now too broken to sustain an EcoGnomie sufficiently prosperous as to enable ordinary CitiZens to afford to burn (increasingly expensive) Fossil Fuel - for the FUN of it...; and not to travel vast distances from their Homes to swarm together and watch the Events. Those Halcyon Dayze Are OVER... Learn to race Rechargable Ultralight MotorGliders ; take off fully charged, whoever stays up longest, gains the most height and covers the greatest distance - WINS. THREE Winners per Event (!). Such is life, Have a good one... Stay safe. ;-p Ciao !

[@flyerbob124]

The casinos in downtown Reno are no longer worth going to. I get a free hotel room every year as a part of a performer act and last year I was in a downtown hotel where drug users were in the parking garage and one morning a noticed 2 people spent the night next to my van in the hotel parking lot. Downtown Reno is a dump now and I wouldn’t leave the hotel on foot.

[@fredgarvin716]

@@flyerbob124 I agree. I live 2 hours from Reno and have been doing mid-week trips to Reno for 30 years. My last trip was depressing. The casinos seem to be dying. No more room service, table games & Keno are closed midweek, homeless people roaming the casinos.

[@tomdavis3038]

Besides, who wants people from Sacramento or San Francisco? Trust me, you don’t Cheers

[@Britcarjunkie]

Money (or, lack of) has ALWAYS been an issue with the Air Races. I know guys that tried racing their P-51's in the early '70's and only did it for a couple of years, and complained about the cost of getting there, versus what you "could" win. For many of the Unlimited & T-6 class pilots, it was more for fun, than for the prize money, but sadly, most of the old guard are retired, or have passed on. The owners of Strega, Voodoo, Rare Bear, and Precious Metal, retired from racing because of the cost - and the fact that they've gotten their planes to go about as fast as is possible. Not to mention the fact that those planes are becoming irreplaceable today, unless you want to spend boatloads of cash, and have one built from scratch. Clay Lacey even sold off his '51, something I thought wouldn't happen in a million years! (I presume his age was a factor there...) Sad part is, it throws into doubt as to wether or not we'll ever see the restorations of Tsunami, or Dago Red (and I've already seen for sale ads for two Sea Furys that used to race, that are still being put together again after accidents) if the races do end for good. Another problem is the cost for fans that travel to the event: I had to temporarily live in hotel rooms from September 2020 to April 2021 due to a remodel (I live in Sparks, and moved there in 2010, mainly to get to the races easier). During events, all of the big hotels started jacking up rates to $500 PER NIGHT during events!!! With the economy & housing the way it is, people are struggling to pay rent, or make a house payment - where are they going to find upwards of $2500 just for a hotel room during the races? It ain't happening, and that's why attendance is down, along with the fact that many younger people just don't care: they'd rather chat online than to see old airplanes race. Similar problem exists in the vintage car hobby - us older people already have the cars we want, and younger people only want new. Knowing how things do tend to go full circle, perhaps in 20 years, interest in air racing will make a comeback: afterall, where else do you get to see planes flying all out?

[@DDAVO7]

TL,DR

[@NBSV1]

Them kids these day with their tokticks and faceplants. Housing development tends to drive out a lot of racing of all sorts. Most people don’t like the noise. Without big time support from the city and sponsors it’s about impossible to keep something like the air races going. Maybe if they’d been able to broadcast the stuff online and pull in lots of views it would have kept things going better. But, that’s very expensive stuff to get up and running and it’s a risk of not working and just being a waste of money.

[@719vol]

*old joke. How do you make $10,000 in racing? Start with $1mil.

[@Britcarjunkie]

@@NBSV1 Actually, the noise really isn't so bad out there, unless you live on the west side of the field - and those are all older homes, for the most part, and many of the residents there throw "air race parties". At least, they used to. (Many of the people that live there, also work at the airport) That said, when new homes and warehouses began popping up off Stead Blvd., on land that was normally used for Air Race parking, I knew it would soon be over. I say this, because, I remember 10 years ago when so many people attended the races, that I had to park on Stead Blvd. & walk 2 miles, because all of the parking lots were full. I mean, you can't expect large crowds to show up, if they have nowhere to park, and if the reason for no parking is because you sold off the land for developing....what are you thinking, unless you plan on killing the races completely? This in itself could have negative impact - and possibly put an end to Stead Field, which could very well be the endgame here. A very large portion of the aviation activity there, is air race related businesses: if the races are gone & they can't find another venue nearby, then those businesses will also be gone. Same thing happened in the 1990's, in the last round of military base closures - every business that supported the bases or the people stationed there, was gone, and many cities suffered for it, many are still suffering. I think somebody has an eye on developing the Stead Airfield property. If that happens, you think the area is crowded now? And if that is the intention, then somebody needs to look at the deal the Air Force made with the city, when the airfield was handed over: back in the 1980's/1990's, the city of Torrance, California, was planning to close their airport (after coming up with noise restriction rules that made it near impossible to fly to & fro), and after a few rounds in court between various groups, the Air Force stepped in, and laid down the law: per their contract with the city, that airfield was handed over to the city on ONE condition - that its use as an airport continued. Any attempt to shut it down would result in the Air Force re-taking possession of it. That was the end of that!

[@brianmason3941]

And then they will be required to be electric, pollution free silent unmanned air vehicles… actually sounds interesting. Drone racing.

[@86309]

Brian, I clicked on this expecting a blast video, I was pleasantly surprised by your full understanding and your calm demeanor in this situation. Im very sad to see the races gone. With folks like you maybe there is hope for another area. Well done Sir.

[@Txdvsz]

Was very lucky to attend several races in the 70's. The Red Baron P-51 with a Rolls Royce Griffon engine, counter rotating props and flown by Darryl Greenamyer stands out as a favorite of mine. Still have a picture of me standing next to it. Unfortunately it was destroyed in a harrowing crash while being piloted by Steve Hinton soon after. Also worked with many of the pilots and mechanics at Minter Field Shafter, California that were in the crop dusting business. Bill Destefani and Ron Hevle come to mind. Will remember those days forever. Thanks for the memories!

[@nancyd2240]

Encroachment of housing around the airport rests at the feet of the Reno council. They have expressed disdain for the way-of-life in the area. 5,000 new homes, then 4,000 new homes, etc. The council overrides the impacted citizens. Even NDOT has no plans to add lanes to 395. This is just in the area around the Stead airport. Three Reno council members resigned, and the remaining members select the replacement, not the citizens. Their aggressiveness of encouraging Californians to move to Northern Nevada has destroyed the entire area.

[@tomdavis3038]

They’ll be richer for it, and there in lies the truth. Pure greed. But then, who would possibly be surprised by that? If vivid taught us anything, it’s that the billionaires (and land developers in association with local government) know no bounds. Cheers

[@carlwilliams6977]

Soon the homeowners will be suing the airport over noise, even though their purchase price reflects the fact that they built next to the airport!

[@gregmottram292]

This happens all the time. Cleetus Macfarlane in Florida is facing this slow advance of housing near his car racing track and nearby drag strip which will eventually lead to noise complaints and attempted restrictions on the use of the tracks. There needs to be more consideration of non profit based development to protect land use attractions such as Reno to improve or maintain a quality of life of people in and around the area. While these uses need to demonstrate a level of financial viability to continue, assistance should be provided by the local councils or state bodies to maintain them. The air races are the only reason I know about Reno at all. My five cents worth. Good luck to the continued life of the air races.

[@Heatherder]

Californians ruined america

[@buddtwin2]

This is happening all over and it’s bullshit. It’s happen to race tracks all over, pismo, Reno air race, ect.

[@davidduffy9806]

My Dad was an air enthusiast who served in WWII, Reno, like the planes belonged to their generation. Thank you so much for your work.

[@blue81blue81]

Ladies and gents everything changes. The sport couldn't sustain itself for all the reasons so well stated here. I went once in the mid 80's. Three of us who were pilots rented planes and took our non flying friends up from LA through the Owens Valley to Reno. Took a shuttle out to Stead. Spent the day and repositioned up to Tahoe for the night. Had a total blast and there is nothing like hearing those big unlimiteds rip by. But we all agreed we probably wouldn't do it again. The trip was expensive and the logistics of flying in, getting out to Stead, and flying back out were not easy. The races themselves while fun left none of us with an overwhelming need to see them again. Fast forward to now......there is a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar and the races just couldn't keep up with other options. That and the horrendous cost of maintaining and operating those airplanes were the real deal breakers. It's the end of an era...... but not our memories.

[@AlanMydland-fq2vs]

yep

[@michaelparsons8815]

Very well thought out explanations. Greatly saddened with the airport authority's unanimous decision to end racing at RTS. So many amazing races over the years and people that have become lifelong friends. The growth in the Stead area has been massive over the years. If anyone seeing your video is on the fence about attending, book your room and buy your tickets now. Hotel prices are up in expectation of large crowds. Also, purchase the pit pass (extra). Covered very well in your video. I've spoken with Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Deke Slayton, Hoot Gibson, Lefty Gardiner, Darryl Greenamyer and many others over the years. Such an amazing event!

[@scottp.5161]

Lefty Gardner is a name I have not heard in years. I can remember him flying his P-38 at the Confederate Air Show in Harlingen Texas back in the 80's.

[@Britcarjunkie]

One of the last years that I saw Lyle Shelton there, he was selling raffle tickets, and the prizes were pieces of a engine that he blew up, LOL!!! All of the old timers are/were super cool, and approachable in the pits, and you could have a conversation with them, if they had the time.

[@jimsandoval7633]

I didn't expect this video to be this good. Thank you for taking so much of your time to bring us so many facts about aviation and the things that are going on. I really enjoy it watching.

[@gcrauwels941]

Unfortunate. The same thing is happening to small auto race tracks, where developers get their way and drive them out. That aspect is a big one.

[@KCadbyRacing]

And not just small tracks. Three NHRA tracks have closed (Atlanta, Phoenix and Houston) and this is Denver's last year as well...

[@MrErichonda30]

Maybe electrics will cut the noise down seen a video somewhere of a electric dragster.

[@codymoe4986]

@@MrErichonda30 Go to a top fuel race and then get back to me...just saying. A huge part of attending big drag races is the visceral experience...EVs just don't provide that. Save the EV's for the commuters, and save the oil for the races...

[@SharpeRacing]

Same thing has been happening to stock car short tracks around the US too. At first the track was far away from the surrounding cities that it wasn’t cause for alarm. But when the same cities grow, they encroach on these tracks and homeowners and businesses can ultimately pressure these tracks to close and be demolished. Even if the track has historical significance there.

[@Brian.Murray]

I’ve seen some interesting KZbin videos where people “rediscover” old tracks. They find old banks and curves in forested areas that were left over from tracks that closed decades ago. Super interesting and super sad.

[@SharpeRacing]

@@Brian.Murray Yes it is, though I have hope that racing continues in the years to come. Both on four wheels and on wings.

[@Don.Kiwitas]

Sadly, at a certain point in a community's development those activities become noise rather than a draw to the neighbourhood surrounding and at the same time the land value appreciates encouraging only further residential or commercial expansion.

[@dethray1000]

very few drive in movies shows anymore either--times change

[@joeg5414]

​@@Brian.Murray I think I know exactly the videos you're taking about. Really is fascinating stuff. On a channel called S1apsh0es

[@r4raced4doom2]

I'm one of the crew who work on the fire fighting airtankers at the base on the south side of the field. Yall don't bother us at all!. We can load out of Battle Mountain, Chico, Sacramento, Redding, etc.

[@PacificAirwave144]

Back in the day you could hang glide off Peavine Peak just West of Stead. Just a gas station and and big parking lot to land next to. A few years later and housing developments were filling it all in :-/. My only trip to the Reno Air races and I got to shake hands with Bob Hoover in the pits at the end of the day. Me and a pilot friend...'that's Bob Hoover' and he motioned us both over and gave us hand shakes and said hi and chatted with both of us for a bit. What a gem of a guy! A hero to me! Sometime earlier that Summer Ben saved my ass on a landing at that gas station. Ridiculous lift, A black weather system blew over Peavine Peak from the SW and I when I saw it tried for the ground a couple times. And I kicked out of the harness at 200' planning on landing and everything was going up. Three or four turns and I was back up 1000'. Dewii, Paul, and a couple others were blasting their way up the highway to the North. I just wanted to be on the ground! Ben grabbed the front wires on the glider (lots of ecouragement from me) and if he hadn't have been there I'd have gone tumbling across the desert in 40mph winds.

[@portnuefflyer]

I too got to meet Bob Hoover, even better I didn't know who this old fart was until much later! I knew of him of course, but it was just an unexpected encounter that made it great, I say old fart because he was, but of course I'm joking, a class act!

[@Aeronca11]

You really did a good job of objectively looking at it from all the angles and financials. Well done sir. The last of the World War II generation's joy, with all the surplus fighters and aviation being a cutting edge field. The Pond racer was just about the last attempt to make it work with modern ideas and it was just too complex an engineering problem for the cost return. Sad to see it, but not surprised at all. Galloping Ghost was the start of the final turn into this landing.

[@quillmaurer6563]

An interesting point there, on a broader scale we can think of how air racing went from being the cutting edge of aeronautical development to becoming a niche absurdly expensive hobby and spectator sport with no real relevance to aeronautical advancement. In the early days of aviation, the '20s and '30s, air racing was the pinnacle of aviation prestige, of setting records for speed or distance flown, innovating technology that would then be utilized by mail planes, early airliners, and military fighters - the venerable Spitfire was race-bred even, based on Supermarine's experience on Schneider Trophy racers. At the time these aircraft were built by individuals or small teams, going after prestige and cash prizes. But as aviation advanced, more sophisticated designs developed on a bigger budget were funded by the military, that becoming the dominant place for cutting-edge aircraft. Racing was no longer the origin of new aircraft technologies, it became no more than a sport. The military developments fed back into racing though, with WWII surplus, and a few later jets, becoming available to racers, but even their race-modified aircraft were no longer the fastest in existence as more modern - even supersonic - designs were developed. Racers were their own niche, no longer the best possible, as the even-more-capable military aircraft were unavailable, and if they were available would be far too expensive for anyone to field. So racing had reached its peak, left behind by the continuing advances of aviation, no longer relevant in any way other than as a spectator sport. And perhaps not even as exciting as it once was, no longer seeing the cutting edge of aviation technology, a representation of "the future," but just some old warbirds buzzing around slower than the jetliners the spectators flew in on. The Pond Racer was an attempt to make a modern racer, but it - and the technology involved - served no other purpose, not justifying the development costs, all for an aircraft still nowhere near the fastest currently in existence. So to be honest, it sort of is irrelevant now, but still very fun. I see the same sort of happening with auto racing, especially NASCAR. That used to be "stock cars," with manufacturers building the fastest cars they could in an attempt to win (mostly for marketing), coming up with new technology in the process, and selling those same cars to consumers. But now those tube-frame "stock" cars have nothing in common with consumer vehicles. It too is suffering a decline in popularity. Formula 1 actually feels a little more relevant, while it was never road-vehicle racing some of the technologies involved could theoretically someday be applied to road cars. On this note of "best possible aircraft in existence," I'd love to see an F-35 or F-22 (not sure which would do better, or maybe some other country's latest fighter jet - that would be an interesting race indeed) in a race like these, just for a comparison of how they do against the old Warbirds.

[@SQLRYAN]

i started going to the races in late 70's. Reno Stead airport was really out in the boonies back then. Great memories of watching aerobatics by pilots like Art Scholl and Bob Hoover, intoxicating sounds of unlimited class whizzing by. Met Pappy Boyington at the races one year. That was a treat. All good things must come to an end and this is it for Reno. Where am I gonna get my fix of smoke belchin' radial engines screaming at sky high manifold pressure after this year? (Yup, I'm a round engine guy).. Thanks for posting this well thought out video.

[@sfbfriend]

Sad to hear, I have only been to one that was the 50th and I loved it. I have been around the war birds since the mid 80's. I worked for Elmer Ward for 22 years and because of him my love for the war birds grew. Use to fly to some air shows with his son. This is probably the end of an era, at least for Reno.

[@1TruePatriot]

Thank you for sharing this very sad news. We were there in the early 'oughts--in the pits--it was an unforgettable experience. I know I will never be in an elevator with 5 WWII "Aces" again, in my life, nor get yelled at for leaning on "Risky Business" (by a busybody non-owner/non-pilot) nor INVITED to lean on a WWII Yak, by it's owner, for a picture! We really appreciate the Reno Air Races community, and your very thoughtful, respectful video, sharing this very sad news. Here's hoping your "ambassador-level" presentation will change the hearts and minds of those who are in positions of power, to save this irreplaceable piece of living American aviation history. Subscribed.

[@steveroberts2202]

Great explanation of Reno's demise. I attended every year from 1986 thru 2000. We had seats near the top of the stands at Start/Finish line. Spent many hours in the pits chatting with pilots and mechanics. I have many autographed programs including my prized RA Bob Hoover signature. We also met pilots and crews in the dining room at Circus Circus where we always stayed. Reno week was a 100% aviation "orgy". I'm glad I invested in Skyfire videos every year so I can relive much of those memorable events.

[@brianaustin208]

My father bought the family to the very first Reno Air Race in 1964 and have been attending almost every year, I've got and original advertisement card along with the ticket from '64 (it cost $4.00 for a ticket )back in the day it was all farm land and nothing until you got into Reno. Man has it changed ,I can't imagine Reno without the races ,although with as much of the land thats been swallowed up I'm surprised its lasted as long as it has!

[@yz5193]

Entered the Air Force in '74, a recip engine guy, worked on O-2 Skymasters, T-29 Convairs, RC-121Super Constellations, C-47, and such for 4 years until crosstrained because of the retirement of these great planes! Attended Reno in '89 while stationed at a "classified" location in Nevada and got to hear the "throttle to the wall" whine of Rare Bear's 3350 that none of the Connies were able to achieve, the sweet melody of a flock of Mustangs racing by and the slow, hammering ballet of the T-6s as they floated up from the valley and crossed the finishline pylon! Wow! That was surely a Bucket List occasion!

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Connie's! I was at Davis Monthan and took a tour of the Bone Yard. I saw a few Connie's still in one piece.

[@travist7777]

A beautiful comment. Thanks.

[@not-fishing4730]

Hey Reno Air Racers are safer than Isle of Mann TT, 258 deaths in 120 years with the TT. I'll never forget going to the Reno Air Races in the '60's with my dad. I will always love the sound of Merlin engines.

[@crashburn3292]

Sad to see it go, but it's not surprising. - I first went to the Reno Air Races when I was a kid in 1981. Back then security allowed people to watch the races on the course, so my uncle set us up under a pylon in the back of the course. I had never seen a race, so after hearing Bob Hoover say, "Gentlemen, you have a race" and then the hum of the engines, I grabbed my binoculars assuming the planes flew by at 200, 300+ feet. Lefty Gardner flew by first in White Lightnin' and he was so, so low, I dropped to the ground. LOL Experiencing those planes flying by that fast, just feet off the ground. It's something I've never forgotten. Not long after the races my uncle showed me an Air Classics magazine, with an article about Lefty Gardner. One picture was of Gardner's left wingtip, damaged from hitting sage brush during the race, and another picture of Gardner's P-38 flying right next to a pylon, and 12-year-old me standing under it, holding my binoculars. (I believe it's the October 1982 Air Classics issue and it has a crashed ME-109 on the cover. Article/pics in the back)

[@JonBooth-bi8cl]

Certainly a sign of the times . I have difficulty finding enough funds just to put fuel in my truck and a trip for groceries as do many of my peers , so finding funds for your type of racing boogles my mind . Good luck in your future endeavers and thanks for sharing .

[@Excaliburhope]

Jessica Sferraza and the mayor are friends and Jessica sits on the airport authority board and is in the pocket of the developers. She and others stopped the event to build more homes. They never cared about reno. That’s the reason the air show stopped.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Unlimited hydroplanes are having the same issues. Amazing sport that can't be captured on video. To see a 40' boat accelerate from 100-190 mph in a half mile with the rooster tails is spectacular. Lucky enough to be on the fence line crowd. That's the best place to see the races. Nice job on the video.

[@jefffaller8474]

True; a lot of money sports are having the same issues because its not sustainable from a financial standpoint when the cost of everything has become ridiculous. When the participants are saying, we can't justify this anymore, that should tell you something big. Another great example would be Top Fuel drag racing. When a single pass is running $50K in expenses and there's not a single part on the car that relates to the car's that the public is buying, the original concept of "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" is lost for sponsors and manufacturers alike so what justifies the sponsors financial involvement? We have an entire generation of impressionable automotive youth that aren't going to be shopping from a JEG's or Summit catalog because there going to be driving EV's that are faster than anything that Detroit ever made in the 60's and 70's and are reliable. I think it comes down to realizing that customers (fan's, race attendee's, spectators etc. ) can age out of the sport while realizing that what you're providing is sports entertainment at the end of the day. So what will attract the next generation to the activity/sport? is it in alignment with the fan base can relate to? Is there another generation of pilots coming or is there a generation that have found the barriers to Aviation so cost prohibitive that they haven't pursued a career in any capacity muchless as a very very expensive hobby. When you look around at the age of the participants and the age of the spectators what did you see? I recently attended an Indy Car race and I noticed that 90% of the fans in the stands where GenX or older. Have you thought about large scale drone racing? Personally, I'm not a fan of watching people die weather it be at the Isle of Mann TT or the Reno Air Races, regardless if they "knew the risks" or not.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

@@jefffaller8474 diddo diddo diddo. Well said. I think electric cars will drag race. Reno is finished after this year. I attend NHRA definitely older crowd. For the record the unlimited gold race at Reno with modified nitrous powered P51’s are a the best. I’m am fortunate enough to sit on the fenceline. I get to see, hear and smell them right over my head. Sitting in the grandstands isn’t the same. Drones aren’t going to cut it. I think Rally cars will pickup. Clearly it’s the end of an era. I do go to El Centro and watch the Blue Angels practice for 2 weeks. They fly right over your head at 50’ in the diamond at full after burner. It’s louder and more visceral than all motor sports combined. It’s also free. Come join me and get your fix.

[@doctortmd]

Wendover, UT would be such a great place to air race in the future

[@jaredl.1738]

I will miss the Reno Air Races. I'll always remember going out there as a kid, meeting the pilots and visiting all the shops. After the 2011 crash my parents started putting out the k rail along the tarmac so we'd get to be up there a lot.

[@appa609]

I feel like somewhere like the UAE or Qatar could do really well for itself swooping in and making a bigger gaudier version of the air races in the Arabian desert. It feels like a good fit.

[@B-A-L]

It would have to be run at night because it would be too bloody hot during the day!

[@jeffspicolli593]

@@B-A-L Not to mention none of the Murican talent lives over there.

[@Paiadakine]

Who is gonna haul their planes and gear 1/2 around the world.

[@drdoakcom]

Good look at all the pressures that have weighed on the races. My family has something like 50 years of history with the races and I've been going for more than a decade myself for the full week including years as one of the photogs. It's a really hard thing to have all of that come to an end, however inevitable it might have been. I didn't see it happening this soon either... I can say that the stands were smaller this year due to labor issues, or so we were told by a reputable source. They couldn't get the normal stands at all and even the smaller stands required out of state help to get setup. It's going to be a hell of an uphill battle to bring the races to another location, but I dearly hope they succeed in some form, lest we lose this hundred year tradition of aviation (going back to the original national championship air races). They survived 2011 and they survived a 100 year pandemic. Who'd have thought they'd be taken down by some houses (amongst the other things).

[@stevel3o7]

My first trip to Reno was 1975 and my last was this year 2023 lots of good memories. Sad way to end Sunday afternoon for the friends and family of the T6 pilots.

[@andrewwayne777]

It's not just the Reno Air Races. I do a booth at The Davis-Monthan Airshow and every year the attendance has dwindled. I guess you can only watch planes go in a loop so many times. But I have noticed that Americans in general just aren't interested in anything other than overcrowding Hawaii and our National Parks these days. NASCAR, sporting events, events in general attendance is dwindling. The younger generations ( not all, but an overwhelming majority) aren't interested in anything other than scrolling mindlessly through tiktok and memes on instagram... and its free. Also, fossil fuels have become public enemy number one to kids so any action supporting events with fossil fuels is like murdering the planet to them.

[@robertmantell1700]

"The way you folks could help is if you are from California go back home. Also if you bought a house near an airport remember that your house house was there second and, uh, you knew where you were buying so your vote doesn't count......" Sucks man, 60 years of tradition gone. I was there in 2015 for what has turned out to be the last good race, Rare Bear and Strega both flew, a Vampire won jet gold instead of one of dozens of L39's, it was quite a year. Not only that, I got to speak with Bud Anderson and Brian Shul, also had pit passes and got to speak with Bill Destafani and also Steve Hinton as he walked out to his T-33 chase plane. It was something I had dreamed about seeing since I was old enough to read, and what an amazing year for it! I am hopeful that the greats will return for one last ride before it all just blows away with the desert wind 😢

[@NatendoSwitch]

I was honored to be seated at their last show and to have finally seen it. I'm sad to see it going. Such a wonderful crowd and community. The adrenaline was non-stop and I took some of the greatest photos and videos I've ever captured in just a few hours. You captured us in the crowd shots around 5 minutes in.

[@doggielama]

Mr. Murray, your explanation was one of the most cogent and compact streams of thought I've ever heard.Every word painted a clear picture of the situation, and I congratulate you on an accomplishment that I wish others would emulate. Some would have taken an hour to say what you did in ten minutes.

[@wiljam1968]

You put it very well, in a way I've had a hard time explaining. I crewed on #87 "Pogo" from 1988 to 1991. we did Air and Space America in 88 at Brown Field in San Diego and I think Borrego Springs--maybe it was Truckee, can't remember. I crewed a couple years more recently on 14 in the T-6 class. Last two years I flew the raffle rides in the T-6 class. In the 80's we had guys in the F-1 class like Hoot Gibson, Deek Slayton, Bill Drews, Coty, Rocky... Great guys who had enough backing to make things work. Now, like you said, it's a lot more expensive to race. The T-6 I flew is the Palm Springs Air Museum's plane. last year we took two Mustangs, the P-63, the DC-3, and the T-6 I flew. The mustangs came out to $800 per lap! We had to do fundraisers for everything. In the end, the museum coughed up a lot of money for the showing. As I taxied out each and every day, I looked out at the stands and was shocked to see all the empty space in the stands. Here's a thought. because of the snow pack in the Sierras this winter, we probably won't have the fires and the smoke to deal with. It will most likely be beautiful weather this year. It will be a hell of a showing. I keep looking to see what the other hand is doing. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a bit of sabre rattling. I'm not saying its a purposeful ruse, but if the airport authority and RARA come out after the races and say "we're on for another year" it won't surprise me.

[@odyshopody9387]

I think I went to that airshow at Brown field back in '88. I was in the Navy then and the two things I remember about that airshow, it was the first time I saw Bob Hoover fly his Shrike Commander, and they had some weird NASA airplane with it's engines on top and forward of the wings. Some sort of STOL experimental plane. It was definitely Brown Field just not sure of the year!

[@jamesballard1170]

We are excited to host the next generation of air races here in Roswell, NM. I know there are lots of criticisms about moving here, but we will do our best to bring the crowds and be excellent stewards of this amazing tradition.

[@Brian.Murray]

I’ll be there in Roswell! I even started looking at property near the airport. Maybe. ;)

[@archangel5151]

Very well put. Thank you. It certainly is an end of an era. With the racing, displays, and the event I was heavily involved in -The National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Such history all around both there and in the pits. Aviation is such a large community, but very close knit. I hope there will be an alternative site in the future.

[@BruceHoult]

I'm from New Zealand, so other than Warbirds Over Wanaka, which is not what it used to be, I really don't get to see much of this stuff. I was working in the SF BA in 2019 and became aware that it was Reno the coming weekend, so I bought a ticket online and headed up. I got a cheap motel room in Carson City. It was about 45 minutes easy cruise up to Reno Stead Airport so that was fine. Enjoyed the weekend. Sad the Vampire wasn't racing. I was working in Russia 2015-2018 and got to the Formula 1 at Sochi in 2015 and 2016, the Formula E in the centre of Moscow in 2015, and the Red Bull Air Races in Kazan in 2017,. so that was all amazing. Oh, in 2002 I went to Oshkosh and worked on the display stand of some friends who'd put a couple of rocket engines on a Long-EZ and were part of the display program with it. It was pretty amazing the people who turned up to take a look at the plane: Burt Rutan, Chuck Yeager, Scott Crossfield, to name a few.

[@DanTheCaptain]

I’ve never been to Reno Air Races but I have been to a handful of Red Bull Air Races in Budapest, back when it was in its hay day. It’s incredibly sad to see essentially the death of air racing. The RBAR was amazing and is something I’ll remember forever!

[@B-A-L]

There's always the Red Bull Flugtag!

[@DanTheCaptain]

@@B-A-L Yeah but it’s not the same

[@Gus0898uk]

I came over from the UK to the Reno Air Races a couple of years around 2000. I had a couple of fantastic years, thanks for the memories.

[@keithmorse9716]

One of the things that killed it for Reno recently is until covid restrictions hit Reno has always been a 24-hour City and has promoted 24-hour businesses which is really attractive for tourists another thing is all of the bus driver strikes there's not enough Lanes to get to the air races with car it would be helpful if casinos supplied more transportation

[@CPTTango30]

I moved to Reno in 2019 and was super excited to finly get to see the air races. I grew up in Northern California and alwasy begged to go to them but being in September we never would because school. Then I get here and can go then the pandemic happened I went last year and had a great time. I will go this year as well. It's just sad to see this killed off. I could see it happening. I live up by the air port (golden valley) and every year all over facebook were people complaining about the noise and what not. Then the Hogue accident happened Sunday in 2022 and If that wasn't the last nail in the coffin then it was the last hammer blow that drove that nail home.

[@MikeKobb]

The last few years have been a run of bad luck, too. COVID. High winds. Smoke. All combining to disappoint spectators, cancel races, and generally drive people away. What really killed the races, though, was the loss of the marquee Unlimiteds. That was the draw for the crowd.

[@bocefusmurica4340]

Where have they been racing ever since? Any place? Or have they all just stopped Racing?

[@MikeKobb]

@@bocefusmurica4340 They've been racing at Reno every year except I think 2020 when they were canceled for COVID. But once the marquee Unlimiteds pulled out, attendance started to wane. Plus the Galloping Ghost crash probably made some people stay away. The last few years were really hard, though. First the COVID cancellation in 2020. 2021 they had high winds but had a successful race year. I suspect that some spectators were still hesitant to attend a large, crowded event due to COVID concerns (even outdoors), and I also suspect that the winds kept some spectators that planned to fly in for the event from coming. (I canceled my planned visit due to the winds.) 2022 they were contending with poor visibility throughout race week due to wildfire smoke that caused multiple heats to cancel, and then had the crash in the jet class Gold final which caused them to cancel the Unlimited Gold final.

[@DoudD]

Thanks for your commentary and insights. Because of the nature of KZbin I was exepcting a rant. It IS sad that the races are ending. I think it can be summarized under the banner of "Time marches on, and things change". I attended once in the 80s. It was a memorable experience.

[@photoman4692]

Good observations. I reported the event for over 30 years. After seeing it go downhill I pulled the plug in2018. Still cover racing in our region and I mulling being there this year. This is going to leave a pretty big hole in our local economy.

[@Mrbfgray]

Been going off and on since the 1980's but since Ghost crash and reorganization it's just not near the same for spectators, it's all about proximity, more distance severely degrades the experience.

[@kimbrgv]

Thanks for the info. Headed to Stead Thursday. I've been going since I was a kid (10 yrs old), now I'm 65 yrs old and can't miss this last memory 😊

[@lancelot1953]

Hi Brian, it is sad - history repeats itself. Many of these lesser known communities were supported by activities such as racing, balloon festivals, RV rallies, Airstream caravans gatherings, ... even Medieval Days (Horses, Armor and all). I raced cars amateur years ago, remember Riverside? Many smaller, older amateur airports are "eaten" by what is called "development" (urban city crawl). So is business, great presentation, Cioa, L

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

I hope they move it to Oklahoma. Plenty of space, it's centrally located and there will be more cooperation from the FAA.

[@khcopter]

It’s hard to watch someone die. I love aircraft, but I saw someone die at Reno you don’t forget it.. unless they figure out a way to make it safer. What’s the point perfectly good human beings perfectly good aircraft gone forever.

[@ivangato13]

Another factor of the Reno Air races moving are that The Air National guard leased contact expired in 2022, and Reno Tahoe international airport is growing, they will move all of the cargo services to this airport.

[@utubewatcher360]

Good reason why the crowds are dwindling is because they charge an arm and a leg to walk through the gate!!! I am fortunate enough to have experienced the races over the years. End of an era, but with economy and the unrelenting gate / pit pass prices escalating they made it difficult for me to attend the races. Now the food!! they also made it so you had to think twice about paying such rediculous prices to have a lunch or a drink. They will most likely have another price increase this year to gouge the attendees one last time. Greed never ends!!!

[@HyenaEmpyema]

Another reason is the heat. there is no shade whatsoever. who wants to sit out in the desert sun, pay obnoxious prices for a drink, probably watch someone die, and the venue doesn't even care enough to provide shade.

[@garlonholder476]

Too expensive for me to attend. I wonder if the exorbitant ticket prices have much to do with the low attendance? 😊

[@douglaslorin739]

​@@HyenaEmpyema Don't know what years you attended, but it has always been pretty cool. Also large sitting tables with tents are situated behind the grandstands. Yes, food and drink prices can fluctuate, but I always saved my plastic cup and get $1-2 dollar refills.

[@johnmajane3731]

I went in 2016 and had a great time. I was lucky to be associated with One Moment Air Racing and had full access to everything. It was really enjoyable and the people there were great.

[@garyalgier4811]

Some pro golfer wins $5milloin in 18 holes and some guy with a 5million dollar airplane and a $500k per race expense wins 100k , I dont watch Golf but I love the Reno Air Races. Oh Well it's been quite a ride.

[@fsj197811]

I don't like admitting it but I'm part of the problem. I LIKE the idea of the Reno races and wish they could stay. I knew the final race was coming but didn't care enough to get up there from So. Cal. I'm perfectly happy to go to the more local air shows and support them. You made a good video, thanks for sharing and I hope the air races find a new, more appreciate home. And the little kid in me wants Reno as a city to TANK Because they threw out the races that had been there for freaking FIFTY YEARS! I hate it with a passion when things are pushed out by the 'new folk'.

[@Mike-01234]

How many locals really want that race business owners who depend on tourist maybe.

[@davef.2329]

It seems, as a kid, I vaguely recall someone flying a DC-7B retired passenger plane out there with some impressive results since the power-to-weight ratio was really high if all the excess weight was removed on those planes.

[@chrisdahlmann5446]

Thank you for your candor. I have been attending for 23 years...I think you have a pretty good handle on the situation. I would like to here from the two other cities that hosted racing in 1990 and never did again....

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a must-see.

[@joncox9719]

Come to ARIZONA! Phoenix use to host an annual air race, there are ton's of wide open area's to fly! Prescott would be an excellent choice, airport is out in a nice clear area! Kingman AZ is another great choice! PLS, bring the races to AZ! 🤠🥳🤠

[@SgtTank]

😉

[@tomdavis3038]

Open space has nothing to do with it. Nevada has plenty of that, if that were the real issue. Cheers

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

​@@tomdavis3038 the difference is that Arizona is allowed to use the land in their state. 90% of the state of Nevada is under federal control and requires several years of reviews to even find out if BLM is willing to negotiate a possible location and the requirements host an event. Have you seen what Burning Man has been through with BLM??

[@stephenfisher9505]

damn. never made it to the races, drove passed a lot when I was haulin fish to Reno. to busy to get their for the races. cant make the last one, caring for my partner . damn runnin out of time for the bucket list. thank you for the video.

[@mikemangoldinvestigation8270]

Sad News about Reno Air Races! -- somehow I think there will still be Air Races like at Reno but somewhere else and slightly different safer format. My brother Mike Mangold, two time Red Bull Air Race World Champion and I (Rob Mangold) traveled the circuit and saw their format change over the years and drop out because of money, attendance and then comeback; and drop again because of Covid; but is planned to be back again in 2023. --Smoke On!

[@bryant3825]

If anything they might go to Mojave, Wendover, Oshkosh? I can see them hosting a huge event. I don't want a piece of living history go away because of development. As Indiana Jones would say "It belongs in a Museum!" But anyways I hope they are able to find another airport that will give them a chance. And work with the EAA. The EAA would love the Air Races.

[@american538]

There's a beautiful airstrip right in the middle of the Everglades be a perfect place for Air Races. I know it'd be bad for the environment. I've been to the Greater Miami Air Races and finally I went to Reno in 13. If you have never been GO!! Get your pit pass and go for the week. Talk to the pilots and Crews it's a great great thing to see.

[@jhonsiders6077]

I used to live near the jet port untill the government decided to run us all off our land because the greenies wanted Everglades nation park expanded they called it the big cypress preserve they outlawed swamp buggies that were the only way to our houses in the wet season then declared we were hurting the environment offered us a pittance of what our homes were worth and tossed us off our places I demolished my house myself with a buddy that used explosives and years later they opened a big RV park just up he road from where my house stood . I am sure that does not pollute any thing. Yea right .

[@aron8949]

Reno is massive, especially the north valleys. That crash last year was highly irresponsible and everyone is lucky it didn’t end up worse. Housing density is getting really intense in the area these days. It’s sad to see. I’d look into doing events out in the honey lake area like they do in October on the dead cow sea. The area is beautiful and open, but sadly being filled with solar farms instead of community.

[@FordMustangGTRocks]

Solar farms are stupid, wind turbines as well. They do not produce enough power to justify the land they take up or the cost to build and maintain. Nuclear is the answer for people who want "green" energy. Natural gas is also good

[@aron8949]

@@FordMustangGTRocks I agree, it is a very sad thing taking place, solar panels are ruining the area.

[@kenprice1961]

Tell us all about the "irresponsible" part Spike.

[@aron8949]

@@kenprice1961 oh yeah you know what, taking a turn so hard you black out and kill your self to win a race you already lost is totally normal, my bad “boss”.

[@iainmillar1532]

Thanks for posting this - I wouldn’t have known and might have missed my last chance to see racing at Reno!

[@richardross3815]

The world marches on…not always the way we want sadly.

[@Magravated]

This is really sad news for me. I lived in Reno and lived and worked out in Stead. I attended 1984-2000. Those were some of the best times of my life, minus the three deaths I witnessed over the years. My ex helped work on Rare Bear when Lyle Shelton first found it. She has held the speed record, probably for several years, overall. My ex flew in the sky cranes and did the annual "Move your motorhome or it will be removed" gag. I always left there smelling like fuel and was sunburned for days after, but I loved Air Race Week, whether I was out in Red Rock with co-workers and friends or out at the Army Guard unit in the middle of the course. I met some amazing people who were involved out there. Such a long tradition and now it's ending. Unfortunately, I won't be able to send it off. I live in Phoenix now but no one can take my memories away. I hope they can find another venue where the fans can have the same experience. Nothing can compare to 6 Unlimiteds flying over your head off of Peavine Mountain to start the Gold Race. Unforgettable.

[@noonehere1793]

It ended after the ‘big crash’ years ago. It has been a shadow of its former self since then.

[@miketubbs1198]

I'm sure the pandemic didn't help.

[@Mrbfgray]

@@miketubbs1198 Moronic *response* to pandemic. Since 2011 it just hasn't been the same, it's all about proximity, pushing the spectators back sort of ruins it.

[@noonehere1793]

@@Mrbfgrayit also didn’t help that even though they were taking in millions the prize money was NOTHING. Back in my day we took a million dollar + mustang, risked it and beat on the engine and even if you won the gold on Sunday the prize money was nothing. The late great Bob Love used to call it “racing for spark plugs”

[@Mrbfgray]

I told friends for decades: "If you want to see RAR, better do it, someday they'll kill ppl on the ground and that may be the end of it." (not that I imagined anything *that bad*) So it ended with a whimper after reborn crippled.

[@Mrbfgray]

@@noonehere1793 Several million $ aircraft, 100,000's $ to maintain, practice, operate and prepare for a single race. Never was remotely profitable unless widely viewed enough to attract sponsor/advertiser $. A passion of flying old fighters, keeping them alive, and thrill of flying *hard,* made it extra special.

[@posterestantejames]

We don't have a choice, but to embrace change. I would prefer the few remaining warbirds...are preserved. As for the other classes of aircraft, you can do what you like with them.

[@apwkastmaster2096]

As they say nothing last forever. Thanks for a great run folks.

[@mrkonvertierung]

I’ve always wanted to go to the Reno air races, since I was a kid. Never been able to make it happen, I’m sad to hear that it won’t be there anymore.

[@craigpennington1251]

Simple solution. NO HOUSING within 10 Miles of race. Yes crashes & death are a part of any racing venue but you must have unbreakable boundaries in the sport which is the housing development. The State or city & or both are looking for the long term taxation on the new residents rather than taxing the racing out of existence. This way it's much easier stating a death toll as the culprit. By the argument used in this video, one could say the same about almost every airport in America. Take a look at the housing right up to the runway fencing. Absolute Stupid planning on the cities. Plus, another part in the (Cancel Culture of America).

[@tomdavis3038]

A little late, no?

[@WriterDude67]

As a Navy vet, we saw encroachment as an issue at and around air bases. I'm just as concerned for St. Michaels Catholic Church, who relies heavily on fees associated with camping nearby. I'm going to miss that whole experience. And I'm also disappointed that I won't be able to make it this year. My hat's off to you racers - thank you for the years.

[@ltv..123]

Don’t forget to blame California!

[@Mike-01234]

That's all I heard when I was there this weekend how Californians wrecking everything.

[@ltv..123]

@@Mike-01234 ~as a famous singer says “I’m the problem it’s me”…

[@Patrick_Ross]

California bashers are such a pathetic bunch. The Reno Air Races would have never existed without California. Many of the racers are Californians as well as the vast majority of the spectators.

[@joeontko2186]

2024 and a 38 plus year resident of this once beautiful place. It's been taken from the local white washed and bleached and sold back unrecognizable. No more culture here any more. I can't remember the last leopard lizard or a hornytoad I saw..I grew up underneath these races in the back of Lemmon valley. RIP RENO NV

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

You are beating a drad horse, it is just too expensive on all levels and the liability is huge !! !

[@ianmangham4570]

Dead horse 🐎 🔫 =🙏

[@MurraydeLues]

Very well put. I feel you have summed up this issue spot on. I attended in 1982 and 2010 and loved it. Very happy Kiwi.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Now I know why i should have been there because now it’s ending . Brian this is a sad time of the Air Racing history and you could have not told this story no better way than anyone else and thank you .

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

Same thing to happen to Cleveland before it (previous home of high speed pylon racing), land is cheap around airports and people slowly start building houses closer and closer to it.

[@johncarold]

I am in California, and I have wanted to visit the Reno Air racing for years and I never made it. I just hope that I can get to the show this year. Thanks for the video and information about the show.

[@scottgorman7166]

I lived next to Long Beach Airport and Boeing for 30 years, love airplane noise. If I didn't here fighter jets, B1' or private aircraft, DC3 all of them I would think something was missing. Reno will be missed by us plane people. That was a excellent recap of what's is transpiring.

[@jamesbottger5894]

I had read somewhere that there was the thought of moving the races to another location. I don't know how accurate that was, or if this is still being considered. I'd hate the see air racing go away altogether...

[@chrisleach4245]

It’s a real shame and bummer that we have less and less things to do outside. This is a whole sport event gone and how many more boys and girls will never get to see them. And before you know it the only place that will have the planes are museums.

[@av8rr]

Just saw news. 2 pilots killed in mid air on last day in the Texan class. Never got to go to Reno, but the one race i saw was at an airshow in New Braunfels, Texas. And there was a collision there and a pilot was killed.

[@bristleconepinus2378]

Glad I went in the 80's and 90's. Got to meet Bob Hoover, Deke Slayton, Lyle Shelton, Steve Hinton, all great guys. Economics are destroying these high dollar activities for sure. It used to be jam packed on unlimited Sunday. Great times.

[@DebWittner1]

Still recovering from the news. Very informative video, Brian; thanks. Most of this is no surprise, but it still stings.

[@saabpoppa]

I've canceled going the last two years because I didn't want to make the 2,000+ miles trek from Virginia in my RV-7 just to camp in thick wildfire smoke, which I've experienced in trips to Portland. Your videos highlight that issue very vividly. Still, I'm in for this (last) year, wanting to experience what I hear is one of the ultimate aviation thrills. Hopefully, the fires will be less intense than in 21/22.

[@SeanHollingsworth]

Started in 1964 in Spanish Springs at Sky Ranch. . .. The City of Reno is going to get a premium for that land both from the sale of it, and the recurring tax revenue. It's not just the price gouging for the admission tickets, or the insane room rates. . . . I'll will miss racing at the Stead Motocross track too.

[@TheTransporter007]

Austin, TX should do an airshow + race. Bergstrom field would be a great staging area, and then the stands at CoTA could be used..

[@dukeford8893]

Bergstrom AFB (Field) no longer exists.

[@Cheesy_Garlic_Bread]

Another thing I’m never get to see with my own eyes. Here’s to hoping I can make it to the Isle of Man Tt before it’s gone too.

[@davewylie654]

In 2005 my hero and friend won Rookie of the year after becoming the first rookie to qualify for the Gold Cup in a Sea Fury named "Conch Fury" RIP FREDDIE!!!! FLY HIGH if you have the ability to find footage of Freddie Cabanas line he flew in 05 in the Sea Fury or 06 and 07 in the P51 its low and super aggressive he was a special guy. Great Channel Brian I just found it and am definitely a Subscriber even if you are a Canadian 🤣

[@vegasaviation2243]

I say bring the races across country to Florida. Many aviators and fans who may not be able to travel west to Reno would love to experience a race. I think it could grow into something big.

[@lesizmor9079]

Florida's weather is way too iffy to plan a major air event a year in advance. Sun-n-Fun barely squeaks by, and it has major sponsorship.

[@vegasaviation2243]

@@lesizmor9079 that would be the least of the concerns. Oshkosh, sun n fun, etc. all continue with it without weather. The question is can they get funding

[@donallan6396]

A well thought out and presented explanation of the factors leading to the end of The Reno Races. It is sad, but time moves on .

[@DarlingFey]

I'll see you there, last year was my first and it sucks that this is the last. All the people I met at Reno last year are amazing

[@NOT_Air-Racing]

Well said. Absolutely incredible environment.

[@rexmyers991]

Excellent discussion of a complex subject. Thank you for explaining. At least I got to go once.

[@colinmartin2921]

There is a parallel here with classic motorcycle racing, that is in decline also, due to the riders getting old, the bikes becoming more valuable, the tuning of the engines reaching higher and higher levels, which costs more and means that riders with less money are uncompetitive. The writing was on the wall also due to the eco-mob, who were eventually going to force a ban on anything that uses ICE .......

[@dustdevilz4771]

Nobody ever raced for money, but it was nice to get a few bucks to help recover hotel expenses. Nice, thoughtful report.

[@ashadowawhisper]

Man, they need to get one around KVDI (Vidalia, GA)…. It’s south GA, sparsely populated (mostly farmland) and it’s still close enough to KATL that it’s a really easy drive. Plus Columbus and Albany aren’t far away for regional flights. The Blue Angels will fly there for the Vidalia Onion Festival every year

[@tomdavis3038]

Good luck

[@ashadowawhisper]

@@tomdavis3038 Georgia has always been very kind to general aviation. Buuuut, it doesn’t have the class G airspace in abundance like out west.

[@VASHXKALIBER]

We should introduce either a state or federal funded incentive to continue not just Reno, but any air race or demonstrations. Keep flying history alive.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

also, the lack of surplus military airplanes is an issue too.... as the birds get ever older, with much less ability to introduce newer planes, it is harder and harder to keep the steeds up to racing quality so to speak... also meaning more expense and more problems for all the teams involved.

[@clydesuckfinger8068]

My dad took me in probably 1973, I was only about 7 years old. Sadly, I’ve never had a chance to go back, and it looks like I won’t again. Sad that all the motor sports are being driven out by cost, noise complaints, population growth, etc. I remember going to Fremont raceway when it was open, before it became Baylands and finally closed. Sad times.