Adam RasmussenChannel 2 News
Days after the Reno Air Races tragedy, we heard from a lot of people giving their thoughts on the future of the event.
So Wednesday, we took to the streets again to hear what people had to say. Nearly everyone we talked to supports the Air Races continuing this year and beyond.
But there still some concerns, and locals say some changes need to be put into place.
"Maybe move the seats back, change where the pylons are so that the planes aren't quite as close," says Mary Smith.
Other suggestions include changing the race, so it steers clear of spectators, or moving the course to an entirely different location in the area. Locals say spectators may lose some of the thrill, but it's much safer.
While safety is the number one concern, some say it's hard to ignore the nearly $85 million of revenue it brings in year after year.
"This is, you know, a bad recession," says Smith. "And $85 million is a lot of money."
For the majority, that is the deciding factor. But not only do the races boost the economy, some say they will never let us forget last year's tragedy.
"Memory," says Shantaha Crotto-Baker. "Like, as a memory of the people who were lost and keep the memory alive."
If Reno had decided to drop the show completely, one man says they would simply continue in a different city on the west coast.
"Somebody else will pick it up," says Jerry Young. "All other things aside, somebody's going to do it. Might as well be Reno."
Of course, there is always a chance another crash could happen even if safety precautions are put into place. Locals say another crash would be devastating.
"I think the people would stay away just on the chance, so it was kind of a fluke, but still it happens, you just never know," says Sidney Kuznar.
And if another crash were to happen as soon as this year, many say it's simply time to call it quits.
"Twice in a couple years, that's a little bit too much," says Joe Chavez.
We did talk to a few people in opposition of the races who requested not to be on camera. They told me losing millions of dollars will hurt the local economy, but it's time to stop the races before anybody else gets hurt.
