Summary of RARA Class President’s Meeting on February 22-23, 2018
RJI Class Members attending:
- Jeff Turney
- Rick Vandam
- Pete Zaccagnino
- Mike Steiger
- Minh Venator
- Steve Picatti
Reno Air Racing Association:
- Fred Telling appointed as CEO and retains Chairmanship of RARA Board
- 2017 Race Season resulted in a loss of approx $300K
- Primarily attributed to low ticket sales due to marketing strategy
- RARA committed to updating event venue and marketing efforts
- Added emphasis on leveraging Social Media as additional marketing tool
- Added emphasis on earlier event promotion through multiple media sources
- RARA Announced “no reduction” in base purse to classes from 2017
- Asked for Classes to participate in additional Sponsor Opportunities
Pylon Racing Seminar:
- PRS will be conducted in 2018
- Online Registration will be available “on or about” March 1, 2018
- Registration Packages via RARA Website www.airrace.org
- Scheduled Dates, June 7-10, 2018 (1 less flying day than previous years)
- June 7: Pilot/Crew Registration and “Rookie” Mass In-brief
- June 8: “Certified Racer” In-brief and Rookie Academics
- June 9-10: Race Course open for flight training/certification
- Discussion to fly later in the day to accommodate for 1 less flying day
- Runway 8-26 will be closed to all operations due to construction
- Runway 14-32 full length will be available along with taxiway “B”
- Runway 18-36 available for Emergency use if needed
- Max of 5 aircraft permitted on the racecourse
- Two flying periods per day for each class, no overlap in course times
- Jet Class anticipates 2 new students to date, and perhaps as many as 5
- Race Course priority will be given to students
- RARA “asks” that we keep certified racers to a minimum
- If you feel you “need” to be there, please attend…
- Mike Steiger and Pete Zaccagnino will run 2018 PRS for Jet Class
- Contact Mike @ (281)380-3613, Pete @ (908)391-2001
- Stay tuned to www.racingjets.com for further PRS information to follow
RJI / CJAA Pre-PRS Formation Training Program (FAST):
- Scheduled Dates: June 3-7, 2018 at Stead Airport
- Hosted again by Aviation Classics, Ltd.
- June 3: Arrivals
- June 4: Mass In-Brief, 0830, Aviation Classics Conference Room
- June 4-6: Formation Flying Events, 2-3 flights per day
- Emphasis on FAST Formation Procedures
- Ability to earn/update your FAST Lead or Wing Card
- June 6-7: RJI Race Formation Training
- Introduction to RJI Racing Procedures
- 1 Flight per day to prepare for PRS Flight Training Program
- Only Runway 14/32 and Taxiway “B” available for Flight Operations
- Sport Class will also be conducting Flight Operations during the same days
- Jeff Turney will be managing the FAST Program, contact @: (775)848-3632
- Stay Tuned to www.racingjets.com for additional program and Hotel Information
Jet Class:
- Jets will have 12 race heats again in 2018
- Jet Pit will expand with additional row to the west
- Jet Class relieved from current replacement engine restriction
- No relief from Major Modifications as required by RARA “Rules of Competition”
- Major Modifications must comply with RARA Section 3: Aircraft Eligibility
- Major Modifications will be Strictly Enforced by Class, RARA, & FAA
- Mandate from RARA to enforce 525 MPH FAA Accredited Race Course Speed
- 1st violation: Results in Aircraft “DQ” from Qual attempt or Race Finish
- 2nd violation: Results in Aircraft “DQ” for remainder of the week
- RJI will revise “Official Rules of Competition” to reflect speed mandate
- RJI will revise rules to reflect the change to Replacement Engine Restriction
- Jet Class will form a “Rules Committee” Chaired by Pete Zaccagnino
- Committee will consist of 5 members
- Pete will draft a Charter for the Rules Committee
- Jet Class is producing a Promotional Video for Marketing Purposes
- Jen Steiger working additional Sponsor Promotions and Video
- Seeking to bring Honda Jet on as Pace Aircraft Sponsor
- Jet Class Membership Drive commences on March 1st
- Membership Dues and Race Number fees due by PRS Start Date
- Information will posted on our website
- Goals for 2018:
- 21 Race Aircraft
- All-out effort to fund $125K Jet Class Purse through Jet Class Sponsors
Our thanks to everyone for their ideas and effort…see you at the Races!
Jeff Turney