Pilots revealed for STIHL 2022 air race
The field is set for this year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races with 152 planes and 156 pilots racing for glory September 14-18 just north of downtown Reno, Nevada.
Hours of preparation, certification and practice brings one of the largest fields of racers to the outdoor event, said the company.
“This year boasts an exciting and competitive Unlimited field with Czech Mate returning from a five-year hiatus to square off against three-time reigning champion Dreadnought and fan-favorite Miss America for a chance to raise the Unlimited Gold Trophy,” said STIHL.
BARDAHL Special, a P51 that finished second overall at the very first Reno Air Races in 1964 while winning the Unlimited finale, will also be returning to Stead, the firm said.
In the Biplane class, fans will get to root for Major Michael Brewer, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird who flew on the demonstration team from 2018–2022 as both Thunderbird No. 3 and Thunderbird No. 4.
While performing at the Air Races in 2019 and 2021, Maj. Brewer had the opportunity to experience the unique and exhilarating atmosphere and this year is making his race debut in No. 44, Big Cat.
2022 will also mark the second year of competition for the event’s newest racing class, STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag, with 20 competitors looking to take home the championship in the sport that has become a social media phenomenon, said the company.
Fans will see demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, U.S. Navy Legacy Flight, Jim Peitz Aerosports and the GB-1 Gamebird.
On the ground, fans will get to experience the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, Military Static Display, GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone, the racing pits where fans can get up close and personal with the pilots, planes and crew, and much more.
Qualifying begins Monday, Sept. 12 and racing begins Wednesday, Sept. 14.
The National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations.
Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, STIHL Inc., manufactures gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment and exports to more than 80 countries around the world; most STIHL products sold in America are also made in America.