RENO 2006: National Air Races and Air Show

In September each year Reno Stead Airfield just to the north of Reno, Nevada in the USA becomes the focus of the National Air Races for all the classes of aircraft competing in this sport, recognised as the Fastest Motor Sport in the World when the Unlimited Class aircraft take part.

The natural amphitheatre to the front of the grandstands allows everyone to view the aircraft as they fly low around the pylons. There are several distances flown taking into account the speeds of each class, from the slowest Biplanes through the Formula One, T6s, Sport, Jet and then to the fastest Unlimited racers with speeds reaching over 500mph in the straights.

The engine sounds echo back from the low hills, buzzing from the smaller engines to the familiar rasp of the T6s and their propellers close to the speed of sound, even the sound of a swarm of angry hornets from the Sport class aircraft to the indescribable howl as the 4,000hp plus Unlimited class engines at full throttle blast their way around the pylons, enough to excite even the most blasé of spectators.

The sights and sounds along with ease of access to the pits make for a must do trip so as to fully appreciate one of the most famous events in the Aviation World; Reno Stead is the place to be in September. On top of all this is a full blown air show with the USAF, US Navy and Marines plus classic barnstorming shows from the likes of Gene Soucy in his Grumman biplane fill the day with plenty to interest for all the family. - Related websites - Reno or Air Races

A number of people were overheard to say that 2006 was the year the British built Sea Fury aircraft took over from the P51 Mustangs which had for many years dominated the National Air Races in Reno. Much of this change has been brought about by Bill ‘Kerch’ Kerchenfaut, the crew chief of the September Pops team. ‘Kerch’ as he is affectionately known as was without dispute the Man of the Reno Air Races in 2006, in the winner’s circle at the end of the final Unlimited Class Gold Finals Race, a chant went up, KERCH,KERCH and on and on. The reason, Bill Kerch had been taken on by Michael Brown, owner and lead pilot of the September Pops team after Bill had lead the teams of Dago Red and Strega to victory in previous years, his obvious leadership qualities and never ending attention to detail had this year, 2006, brought overall victory for the September Pops team in both the Gold and Silver Races on the final day, Sunday 17th September. An incredible achievement brought about by a true hero of the Air Racing World, Bill ‘Kerch’ Kerchenfaut.