Reno Air Race Biplane Class Overview

The Air Racing Experience
Biplane racing at the reno air races a picture of me going fast...

What's it about?

Every year in September (usually the third week), the National Championship Air Races are held in Reno, NV at Stead Airport north of town. Racing classes are Unlimited, Jet, T-6, Sport, Formula 1, and Biplane. The Biplane class fields a total of 24 airplanes split up evenly into Gold, Silver, and Bronze races. Biplane prize money ranges roughly from $1K to $2K with a linear scale. In other words, if you qualify you will take some money home. the most important thing is that racing at Reno may be the most fun you will ever have with your airplane!

What are the airplane restrictions?

The rules are designed around the basic S1, but will accommodate Smith mini, Mong, Starduster, Knight Twister, and other single seat biplanes. The idea was to draw from the broad pool of aerobatic enthusiasts owning single seat biplanes. Although rules allow liberal engine modifications, the basic engine must be a parallel valve 360 Lycoming (or less) that is normally aspirated and your propellor must be fixed pitch. That rules out the Eagle, S2, and S1T (although exceptions have been made when the field wasn't full). Restrictions on seat angle, wing area, and other items can be reviewed in detail in the 2003 Biplane class rules. Many of the rules are designed to keep out exotic race-only biplanes (remember the Sorceress or the Amsoil-Rutan canard 'Biplane'). For 2003 some of these rules will be changing, so stay tuned. Note that there are also a set of Reno Race rules that govern things like fees, liability, crew guidelines, safety issues, and airspace waivers. You can get these from the Reno Air Race Association (RARA) at (775) 972-6663.

Is your airplane competitive?

Simply put? YES. Speeds range from 100mph Smith Minis to 200+mph custom race biplanes. Any stock S1 will place nicely in the field.

What are the pilot requirements?

For profiency, you will need to attend a Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) to be held June 19-22 this year. The school will give you an overview of the process and course procedures, then allow you to actually fly on the course with an instructor on your wing. This is a great way to gauge your comfort level out there. For September, you will also need a class 2 medical, 500 hours of total time and reasonable formation/aerobatic skills. You'll also have to get special insurance coverage for the races. Avemco won't cover it, but many "akro friendly" companies will. The Biplane rules will give you more details. You'll probably want a rental car and a hotel in town. If you aren't particularly hung up on gambling, my favorite budget hotel is the Silver Club in Sparks at (800)648-1137.

What's it cost (roughly)?

You don't need a lot of cash (unless you're a gambler). In fact, if you're fast enough, the prize money will cover most if not all of your week's expenses.
June race Seminar $750
September entry fee $250
Insurance $500
Hotel(Sun->Sun) $600-$2000
rental car, team t-shirts, 12-packs, plastic tape for last minute fairings, chic monogrammed flightsuits, etc
Gas is usually free for the races, but you have to pay for going home fuel.
And don't forget prize money runs around $1000 to $3000 with a linear progression over 24 places.

How does the week work?

Arrive the Saturday or Sunday before the races for briefings and tech inspection. Monday through wednesday you will be on the course a couple times per day for fun and familiarization, and to set your qualification speed. You will also make your two lap qualification run to establish your heat race starting order.

On Thursday the official races start and the big crowds arrive. Starts are a standing (aka racehorse) start with a reverse stagger based on your qualification speed. Heat races (semifinals) can result in some shuffling of the order, but usually not by much. Finals are on the weekend. Throughout the week there are BBQ's, group dinners, and awards banquets so there is plenty of fun time (in addition to flying fun time). When it's all over you'll have a permanent grin from ear to ear.

Other Benefits

Free plug clean and gap by champion, free Aeroshell oil, free gas
Great company among the world's best pilots
100,000 screaming fans
You will receive free pit passes for your crew and Chairman's Club passes each day for free food. Pit crews are nice, but biplanes are pretty maintenance free and many pilots fly-in solo. It's a tight knit group and everyone helps everyone else out with tools and maintenance as necessary.

I want to do it!

To race in September 2003, you'll need to attend the Pylon Racing Seminar in June 2003. First, download and familiarize yourself with the Biplane rules. Then you'll want a set of Reno Air Race Association (RARA) rules and an application form by calling RARA at (775) 972-6663. You can also contact Biplane class president Frank Jerant at (831)484-2223 or email. He can help fill in the blanks, get you a race number, and make sure you're on the mailing list for future correspondence.

History of results

Interactive database of results
Past Gold race winers and results

2002 Results
Go Jeff! 2001 (no racing due to 9/11)
2000 results
1999 results
1998 results
1997 results

Individual Team Race Pages....
Jeff Lo's biplane race home page
Tom Aberle's history in biplane racing
G-Whiz #28, Mike Davis
Miss America air racing
Rare Bear air racing
AeroMagic home page
Dave Morss
Aerophile formula 1 race team