Performance team returns for 'A Celebration' of 45th anniversary of Reno event

The National Championship Air Races has announced the race theme for the 2008 event, to be held at the Reno-Stead Airfield Sept. 10-14, will be ‘A Celebration.’ As part of the festivities, Race officials also announced the return of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

About the Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds make their first return to the Air Races since 2006. Considered by many to be the elite aviation performance team in the world, the Thunderbirds are the official Air Demonstration Squadron for the U.S. Air Force and are part of the 57th Wing headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. More than 100 enlisted men and women are part of the Thunderbirds, with twelve officers flying F-16C fighter jets. The mission of the Thunderbirds is to showcase the capabilities of the Air Force’s most elite aircraft while demonstrating the high-level of skill and expertise needed to be an Air Force pilot.

About the National Championship Air Races
Held every September just north of Reno, the National Championship Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

In 2007, the event attracted 210,000 spectators and generated more than $80 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races or to obtain media credentials or purchase tickets for next year’s event, log onto www.airrace.org.