While still mourning the loss of a long-time Reno Air Racing pilot Jimmy Leeward and the tragic events of last year, the Reno Air Race Association has been worked extremely hard to get through many obstacles. Their hard work with the support of the Reno area and of course with all the fans, RARA has put on one of the best weeks of air racing ever.

The P-51 is still the fastest at Reno 2012.

After two years of not having a Sunday Gold Final, the 2012 Breitling Gold Race did not disappoint. After fighting off an initial rush from the Bear, Steven Hinton in Strega pulled away and the race was for 2nd. And great racing it was between team members Stewart Dawson in Rare Bear and Hoot Gibson in September Fury and wingtip to wingtip racing for 4th between Dennis Sanders in Dreadnought and Thom Richard in Precious Metal.

During qualifying on Tuesday, the newly restored Sea Fury "Furias" qualified with the tail wheel hanging out. After posting a very good time, pilot Matt Jackson cycled the gear a few times trying to get "3 green" lights but could not get confirmation that the right gear was down and locked. After gently setting her down on 32, the right main collapsed dragging the right wing, hitting the prop and damaging the tail. Their hopes for 2012 are smashed. The aircraft look and sounded beautiful. Wish the best of luck getting her back in the air.

There was great racing in all classes this year even though numbers of racers were down a bit largely because the green light for the event did not come until later. The weather was terrific, with moderate winds during the afternoon. AIRSHOW Performers:

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo
US Navy F-18 Super Hornet Demo
David Martin - Extra 300S
Patriot Jet Team - Black L-39s
Jim Peitz - F33C Bonanza
Kent Pietch - Interstate Cadet
USAF Heritage Flight
US Navy Legacy Flight

The Reno Air Races are spectacular! What a phenomenal week of racing, air show performances and old friends.

49 Years Strong, and rolling into its 50th Anniversary in 2013! Make plans now, you will not want to miss out on the 50th year of Air Racing at Reno Nevada.