What If....2021

[AAFO_WSagar]

Found a storage drive (SSD) with some older and recent images on it. Strikes me that a lot of what the competition is a showcase of some really great restorations probably running takeoff power or somewhere less, frickin' fun to watch and we see some great rare planes doing amazing things close up!

Love the really raw balls-out competition of the "little guys"!

Races like "The Kid" and Tiger back a few years may never happen again..

And the bottom line, from what I can see is the insurance costs for a guy to bring his rare ride or any of the other racers as well. From what I've heard the premium for the week is astronomical!

However you guys do it Owen, I'll do my best to be there, anything we can do for you here or elsewhere you have my number!

Happy New Year!!

[Air Boss]

Thanks, Wayne. And thanks for all you do for this event. It does not go unappreciated, I assure you!

RARA is working on the "Re-accreditation" from the FAA for the races right now. Happens on a bi-annual basis this time of year.

Shortly we'll set sail on the nuts and bolts of the event. Much to consider.

[GRNDP51]

I'm usually one to add some comments on threads like these, but haven't yet. I watched some of the comments on the first few pages and then stopped. Just refreshed where we are at with the recent ones, but need to go back and see some of the middle.

The thread started out with an interesting idea of saving costs by limiting qualifying and racing, which off the cuff annoyed me and I discredited it. Thinking more about it, it's not a bad idea. I've never been able to experience a full week of Reno (and REALLY want to), but I do feel the Sunday-Wednesday portion could possibly be condensed to save money. The only thing I don't like about this is half of the fun of Reno is the anticipation of RACE WEEK with arrivals starting on Thursday/Friday and 10 of the best days of the year to come. I would miss this.

The other idea was condensing classes so there are limited entries based on speed. Fine by me, just think it needs to be worked out properly where pilots aren't pissed they wasted their time showing up just to not make the field, and then don't want to participate at all.

Lastly as these threads seem to go to the Unlimiteds, I don't think the Unlimiteds are done, and I think there is still excitement to be had. I currently see the class in a "holding pattern" of sorts, with good stuff brewing that could make for an exciting future. Maybe I'm holding too much hope on the Tsunami's/etc., but at least there still is light at the end of the tunnel if we make it there. Let me take a step back away from the light at the end of the tunnel that might be a few (if not more) years away and look at where we are as of today. I think the class is in a refresh mode trying to figure itself out. There are plenty of Yak airframes that could really add to an exciting (lower speed) Unlimited class. We will have to see how this pans out. I've learned to accept that a 500mph race with screaming Merlins and 3350's isn't necessarily what makes the class exciting, and Miss America has helped me realize this. Miss A was the first plane in awhile that had this secrecy about her during the off season, and Doc showing up with RRIII pieces and a great sounding Merlin was a treat! I've simply lowered my standards of what I think the Unlimited class should be and am very excited to see Sawbones return, Miss A come back the hottest she's been, and hopefully see some other additions like Dusty's Yak and Race 64

A side note is flyingjibus' point about danger=excitement; I definitely agree. I don't want to see accidents, but the occasional maydays that normal airshows don't have make the class and Reno as a whole what it is. I think the Sport class shows this year after year and it's helped me with this lack of "danger" in the Unlimiteds. I just don't know if the "Unlimited or nothing" guys look at the Sport class that way...

[Air Boss]

I'm usually one to add some comments on threads like these, but haven't yet. I watched some of the comments on the first few pages and then stopped. Just refreshed where we are at with the recent ones, but need to go back and see some of the middle.

The thread started out with an interesting idea of saving costs by limiting qualifying and racing, which off the cuff annoyed me and I discredited it. Thinking more about it, it's not a bad idea. I've never been able to experience a full week of Reno (and REALLY want to), but I do feel the Sunday-Wednesday portion could possibly be condensed to save money. The only thing I don't like about this is half of the fun of Reno is the anticipation of RACE WEEK with arrivals starting on Thursday/Friday and 10 of the best days of the year to come. I would miss this.

The other idea was condensing classes so there are limited entries based on speed. Fine by me, just think it needs to be worked out properly where pilots aren't pissed they wasted their time showing up just to not make the field, and then don't want to participate at all.

Lastly as these threads seem to go to the Unlimiteds, I don't think the Unlimiteds are done, and I think there is still excitement to be had. I currently see the class in a "holding pattern" of sorts, with good stuff brewing that could make for an exciting future. Maybe I'm holding too much hope on the Tsunami's/etc., but at least there still is light at the end of the tunnel if we make it there. Let me take a step back away from the light at the end of the tunnel that might be a few (if not more) years away and look at where we are as of today. I think the class is in a refresh mode trying to figure itself out. There are plenty of Yak airframes that could really add to an exciting (lower speed) Unlimited class. We will have to see how this pans out. I've learned to accept that a 500mph race with screaming Merlins and 3350's isn't necessarily what makes the class exciting, and Miss America has helped me realize this. Miss A was the first plane in awhile that had this secrecy about her during the off season, and Doc showing up with RRIII pieces and a great sounding Merlin was a treat! I've simply lowered my standards of what I think the Unlimited class should be and am very excited to see Sawbones return, Miss A come back the hottest she's been, and hopefully see some other additions like Dusty's Yak and Race 64

A side note is flyingjibus' point about danger=excitement; I definitely agree. I don't want to see accidents, but the occasional maydays that normal airshows don't have make the class and Reno as a whole what it is. I think the Sport class shows this year after year and it's helped me with this lack of "danger" in the Unlimiteds. I just don't know if the "Unlimited or nothing" guys look at the Sport class that way...

Thanks for chimming in, GP. Good stuff.

I believe we could satisfy virtually all classes and performers with a Wed-Sun event. Would it mean a fundamental change in how we qualify, race and perform. Yes, it would. As for the issue of some racers getting pissed, taking their bat and ball and going home, I guess I'd argue...that's racing. Burn some midnight oil and come back next year able to run faster and jump higher.

I suppose to some degree my point is does Reno exist to give all comers a place to play at RARA's expense, or does it exist to put on the fastest racing possible? There are arguments on both sides. And smarter minds than mine will be weighing all options and making those decisions.

You may be right RE: the UNL class. Time will tell. There is some hope on the horizon with Tsunami rebuild, existing teams constantly working to refine their ships, etc. And to your point, resetting expectations is in order for the UNL class, at least for the forerseeable future. I, for one, would be very happy with highly competitive racing at 400mph vs. a race of one or two 485mph ships and then...the parade. Not exactly riviting entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, that's a question as well. In general your typical airshow or aviation event is about entertaintment. It's called an air"show" for a reason.

Does that moniker fit Reno? Is it entertainment, or does it exist to serve a community of racers and, oh...BTW...we have a few entertainers to throw into the mix? Is the answer somewhere in between? Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist?

I'd argue Reno has a unique opportunity to reassess, reinvent, restructure, and chart a course for the third decade of the century and beyond. The Damndemic affords them that chance. Use it as a spark...not an excuse.