After nearly 60 years, Reno-Stead Airport hosted its last National Championship Air Races in September 2023. Tremendous growth in the Reno area means the event needs a new home, expected to be announced in the coming months. I’ve attended the event for the last two years. We expected this would become an annual family gathering.

Air shows are challenging to photograph, especially when trying to use a long lens while seated in the packed stands. These photos were made on Saturday, Sept. 16, the penultimate day of the races.

Two veteran California T-6 pilots, Chris Rushing of Thousand Oaks and Nick Macy of Tulelake were killed in a post-race collision on the final day, Sept. 17. Rushing won the T-6 Class Gold race with Macy finishing in second. They were en route to landing. May they rest in peace. Condolences to their families, crews, friends and the air racing community.

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