In The Face Of The 2011 Tragedy, Aviators The World Over, Hope For 2012 Race Resumption

A cryptic message was put forth on Facebook a few hours that may answer the question that has persisted in the wake of the tragedy that befell the Reno Air race Community last Fall... will the races fly again?

The message simply states that, "On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, the Reno Air Racing Association will make a significant announcement on the future of the National Championship Air Races at a press conference at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno at 11 a.m. We thank you for your continued support and hope to see you there."

The sentiment among the aviation community is overwhelmingly positive and supportive of a race resumption... with the attendant concern over whether or not a resumption is even possible in light of the regulatory, fiscal, and legal problems the accident left this embattled community and organization.

There are few public clues as to what the future of the races might be... but a holiday letter released by the Reno Air Race Association was thankful, hopeful and full of praise for those who rallied to support those harmed by the horrific circumstances that brought down famed flyer, Jimmy Leeward, into a gathering of aviators and aviation fans. It also seems to suggest that this historic does have a future... we shall see (and hope).

RARA Letter

"The year 2011 brought unprecedented adversity to northern Nevadans. And, while we have shared in the collective grief of our friends and neighbors over the numerous tragic events that have befallen us, we have been absolutely humbled and awe�]inspired at the resiliency and compassion of our community. Though there are many people here and all over the world that have been affected by these tragedies, we have so much appreciation for the selflessness and empathy that has been displayed in our region throughout these challenging times.

While our hearts remain heavy over the losses we have all incurred, we pause during this holiday season to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for our fellow northern Nevadans and the numerous individuals and entities outside of our community who, in the face of tragedy and adversity, valiantly provided comfort, aid and strength to those in need. The Reno Air Racing Association would like to acknowledge the tireless work and dedication of all of those individuals and entities that have truly established themselves, not just as business and civic leaders, but as community caretakers.

The Amazing Jimmy Leeward

We are proud of the many community members and Air Race volunteers who worked around the clock to provide selfless care in support of the event whether it was by answering phones to help concerned people looking for loved ones, offering additional security to the event venue or administering care to those who were injured.

A special thank you must be sent to service clubs that, in a time of need, showed tireless support and extended their services including administering traffic control and managing access gates to the event site long after the event was scheduled to end.

We are thankful for our elected officials and local and state governments who have demonstrated incredible leadership and dedication for our community throughout this difficult time and, as we look to the future of this event, remain focused on the importance of special events -- specifically the Air Races -- to northern Nevada.

We have deep appreciation for our longtime friends and partners in the local hotel, casino and hospitality industry that, without hesitation, provided rooms, transportation and resources to the families of the injured and deceased.

We are grateful for the efforts of local community organizations like Think Kindness who quickly organized the Family Assistance Fund to help the injured and those who lost loved ones. Additionally, there were many organizations who offered their time, labor and supplies to renovate homes of the injured, provide food to volunteers or complimentary funeral services for those who could not afford to
lay their loved ones to rest.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders and local healthcare providers for their compassion and selflessness in giving excellent and immediate care to those in need. We are ever grateful to the servicemen and women of our local, state and federal military organizations for their long�]lasting support of this event and for their courageous and swift response, from the time of the tragedy until this very day.

We must also thank our sponsors for their financial and emotional support through a difficult and emotional time.

The efforts of each of these organizations and individuals have been absolutely extraordinary and nothing short of heroic.

Even as our thoughts and prayers remain with all of those affected by September's tragic air race accident, we have begun to look to the future. We are committed to preserving this unique and historic aviation event and have been amazed and inspired by the overwhelming global support we have received for continuing the National Championship Air Races. While we have many challenges to overcome and much work to do, we are optimistic and hopeful that we will again take to the Sierra skies in the near future.

Most simply put, thank you.

The Board of Directors of the Reno Air Racing Association

Aero-Note: The Reno Air Races are a uniquely American celebration of flight and all those who love it... ANN has high hopes (literally) that a renewed commitment to the safe and professional execution of these races will make sure that the historic legacy of this amazing event will be preserved for future generations of flyers... We'll keep you updated. 

FMI: www.rara.org