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I can't help you with the media questions but if you are serious book a hotel room now. I have been going to the races since 1979, and I have a large booth there where I sell aviation items like instrument panels, prop blades etc.On a lighter note, is there anyone here planning on going to Reno in September? I'm looking at making a quick whistle-stop trip just for the air races, having never been and wanting to go given it's the last at Stead. For a first-time attendee, any advice you guys can offer won't go amiss. I'm applying for media accreditation, which I'm not sure what that entails, so perhaps some of you might be able to enlighten me?
Feel free to ask any questions you have
Yes, they are reliable. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Up to 40 if the traffic gets stupid though. Yes, you should be there all day. Odds are you will meet some interesting people and stay for dinner.Excellent, thank you, Gary. I got a lot of questions.
So I see there are shuttle buses running from the main hotel district, which is where I'm hoping to get a hotel and I'll be relying on these as I won't be hiring a car. Are they reliable enough to get to Stead and how long does it take to get to Stead from Reno?
What is the best time of day to go to the airfield? Do I need to be there all day? What does an average day look like in terms of length, particularly if I wanna go into the pit areas?
Are there good spots for taking photos outside the public areas, such as close to runway thresholds and so forth? If so, are they easy to get to?
I'll leave it there for now, any advice, shoot it my way, as I'm a bit green. I've watched a few youtube clips by different guys, so I've got a bit of info.
I set up across from the north main hangar at the south end of the airport. Right in front of the jet racers pits.
I have a 20x20 booth, with a 10x10 alongside. Though I am trying to get two 20 footers this year.Hopefully I'll see you there.
Yes, they are reliable.
The racing truly only begins on Thursday. The race crews are there beginning saturday, but they are just getting the planes set up, as well as their campsites etc. If you can make Thursday you should, it makes it easier for you to see everything. As this is the last one in Stead I expect a good turnout, hopefully we will see some of the Unlimited's that haven't been here for a while.Gary, this is golden, thank you very much. Hat already packed, as is my drink bottle. Thanks for the info about the media spot. I work for a media organisation and have submitted a request from my editor so I shouldn't have any difficulty unless they are so packed with accreditation requests that I can't be accommodated. I'm waiting to hear before I buy tickets.
Being by the pylon for a day sounds the business. I don't want to do that every day, but one day will be worth it. Copy that regarding food. Useful to know if I'm out there all day.
As for accommodation, I'm doing a fly/stay package, meaning accommodation is part of the package. The hotel is right in town, walking distance from the strip where the hotels are where I can catch the bus. On the subject of those, They'll have a timetable, huh, I'm intending on staying maybe one evening a bit later so I'm relying on the bus service to get me back to Reno. If not I'll hitch.
At this stage I'm planning on going Friday, Saturday Sunday only. I could make Thursday too. Is that okay for seeing everything, or would you recommend going every day?
Gary is right, Grant: that region gets hot during the day, but because of single digit humidity, if feels cooler than it actually is and gets many people in trouble fast. Stay hydrated!
It's a shame Joe has gone ahead of us, he would have most certainly been at this last race.
For the life of me, I cannot recall the jet team he crewed for, but I'm sure they'll be there.Cheers, Dave, definitely will take extra water and a hat. I have a chrome dome up top so it's an essential accessory anyways. Y'know, I considered that when I saw Joe had passed away. It would have been cool to have met him.