It's now official, the 49th annual National Championship Air Races will take to the Reno skies once again this year, now that they have the funding they need - thanks to a $600,000 sponsorship from the Nevada Commission On Tourism.
After last year's crash, the air races insurance premium spiked nearly $2 million, but when the NCOT announced their sponsorship, it gave the air races the green light.
"From the casino resort community, community leaders and that kind of stuff, they wanted to know that we are working hard and that we're committed to making sure this event was going to be as successful as it's been in the past and safer than it ever has," said Mike Draper with R&R Partners.
Draper said the Air Racing Association has been able to meet both goals and that's why they are seeing the support pour in.
He said securing funding for this event is important for Nevada's economy and the numbers say just as much.
The air races brings in more than 200,000 visitors a year and generates between $50 to $80 million.
Draper said They always planned to continue with the event, but this money makes the event a certainty.
"I think now we're able to fully say and we've been committed to having this event, but now we can really say this event is happening this year," said Draper. "Book your plane tickets, book your hotel rooms, buy your race tickets because we're going to be racing in September."
If you do plan on going to the air races, mark your calendars for September 12th-16th at the Reno-Stead Airport.
Written by Chris Ciarlo
