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.