To many, the STIHL National Championship Air Race is about history with veteran race pilots returning each year to best their opponents. But for some pilots, this is a fresh new way to test their skills. The Reno Air Racing Association’s Pylon Racing Seminar or “Rookie School” recently saw 24 students receive their certification to race this September.
“Seeing new racers discover the love of head-to-head air racing, mastering their skill and doing it all with our incredible veteran instructors makes for a fun week,” said Fred Telling CEO and chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The excitement for the races is building and we are looking forward to bringing the fans one of the best races and airshows we’ve ever had.”
PRS is required for rookies and open to certified racers to hone their skills. If a certified racer has not participated in PRS or the races in the last three years, they are required to re-certify to be able to race again.
This year’s seminar consisted of six days (two sessions) of intensive classroom instruction from experienced race pilots as well as extensive practice on the course. More than 80 participants attended this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar including students, certified racers returning to practice and instructors.
The 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races return Sept. 15–19, just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno, Nev. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head plus demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor Demonstration, Tucker’s Air Patrol, Jim Peitz Aerosports, Tony Higa Airshows, the National Aviation Heritage Invitation and more.
