By BRADLEY ORR
When the National Championship Air Races held its final contest in 2023 at Reno/Stead Field (KRTS) in Nevada, the organization decided to hold one last show before moving on to its new location in Roswell, New Mexico.
The Reno Air Show, held Oct. 4-6, 2024, featured the Blue Angels and the RCAF Snowbirds as headliners.
Officials with the Reno Air Racing Association emphasized “how rare it is to have two premier jet teams flying at the same show.”
“The 2024 Reno Air Show will be the only show in North America this year with both the Blue Angels and the Snowbirds,” they noted. “This is a truly unique air show experience, throughout the country and beyond. And with the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team in the mix, this is shaping up to be a historical event, worthy of our 60th celebration in Reno.”
Mix the headliners with beautiful weather and the result was “big crowds” for the air show, according to officials.
Lots of pistons, props, jets, warbirds, aerobatics, and fun were there to be had by all for three days.
The Reno Air Races started at Sky Ranch Airport in 1964 and moved to the former Stead Air Force Base in 1966. In March 2023, the organization announced that the races had to find a new location.
“Citing the region’s significant growth amongst other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has made the decision to sunset the event,” officials said.
That led to a months-long search for a new home, culminating in the decision to move the races to Roswell, New Mexico.
The first races will be held in Roswell Sept. 10-14, 2025.
For more information: RenoAirShow.org, AirRace.org
More Photos From The Show
I was there. Went to my first Reno Air Race in 1965. Only missed a few times since. Great time with Airline buddies in boxes 67 and 68.
Roswell will be interesting. Not much there…
I too am confused by the headline and story. I thought the Reno Air Race Association said that yes, the National Championship Air Race has moved on to Roswell, NM but the October dates would in future be for the Reno Air Show while the September dates would be for the Roswell Air Races.
We have good weather for early morning pylon, great days for Roswell NM
First and Last Reno Air Show? Meaning this year’s “air show” was the last “show” in Reno? Or will there be “air shows”, just not “air races”? I’m confused by your headline.
No more racing going on at Stead Airport.
Maybe an air show next year at Stead Airport.
As a Charter member of the Checkered Flag club at the Reno Races I am very sad but we had a great run and so so many wonderful memories. I hope Roswell has as good a run and they also become part of racing glory days.