F-22s, P-51s, F/A-18s, F8Fs, and More Set to Make Appearances at Upcoming Reno Races

This year will see an impressive return to form for the races as they sport a full lineup of the best performances around.

For the first time since 2014, the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will make its return under Air Force Major Joshua "Cabo" Funderson & co. put the fighter through its paces.

They won't be alone, having the Air Force Heritage Flight's P-51 Mustang flying beside them. 

The Navy isn't going to be left out, though. First the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet will provide a Tac demo from Strike Fighter Squadron 122, the Flying Eagles from NAS Lemoore. They'll have a classic fighter of their own flying alongside them, with the Navy Legacy Flight Foundation's Korean war-era F8F Bearcat making an appearance too. 

On the civilian side, the week will see an appearance by the next-generation aerobatic aircraft, the GB1 GameBird. It will be flown by its designer, Phillip Steinbach as it shows off how far the sport has come with modern materials and running gear. Jim Peitz Aerosports will also be on hand, with Peitz demonstrating the capabilities of his specially modified Bonanza with a wide range of maneuvers - not the usual fare for an Beechcraft F33C! While his past shows have relied upon the trusty Extra 300L or Christen Eagle, Peitz has come to love the Bonanza as it carried him to receive the International Council of Airshows Sword of Excellence.

While the races are on, the National Aviation Heritage Invitational will fill the ramp with some of the finest vintage aircraft in the country as they vie for the Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy.

The STIHL National Championship Air Races run from September 14 to 18 in Reno, Nevada. General admission tickets remain, but reserved seating, grandstand, box seats, pit passes, and more add to the overall experience should attendees want a better view. 

FMI: www.airrace.org