The Reno Air Race Association‘s annual Pylon Racing Seminar broke some records in 2022.
The seminar, traditionally held in June, is where rookies go to get certified to race at Reno, association officials explained.
In the 2022 seminar, a record-breaking 28 students received their new certification to participate in the 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races, which is slated for Sept. 14-18, 2022.
“This includes the Unlimited Class, which had the largest turnout in memory with 10 participants overall,” officials said, noting three of those pilots were certified to race in September.
One of the three, Robert “R.T.” Dickson, owner and pilot of the P-51 Mustang “Swamp Fox,” was exuberant after his last practice around the pylons.
“That is the most incredible thing I have ever done,” he said. “I can see what everyone who has done this means now when they say it’s a life-changing experience. I can’t wait to do it in September.”
During the 2022 seminar, 53 pilots received their renewal certifications.
“This new student record and high number of renewals shows promising growth for the races, and means that the 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races are going to be bigger and better than ever,” race officials said.
Agree with Captain Mooney, and congratulations to all the pilots! I was with the Airport Authority for some years, handling Stead matters, among other matters, and worked with RARA to get the Pylon Racing School (aka Rookie School) started. Good to see it continuing. Wishing them all safe flying!
It’s great to see these people keeping the spirit of air racing intact as I know it’s one of the most expensive undertaking anyone can compete in! Bravo to all you very brave pilots!