Operation Saving Reno

[Reever]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

No serious thought can be given to "fixing" the NCAR until you get a peek at the books. If there was some idea of financial resources or limitations, ideas could be created inside those parameters. Until then we are just guessing.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

We are all here on this site because we like this event. I've been going since 1978, and have always introduced new fans. With my 2 kids growing up attending these events since they were both 2 years old, they have introduced countless to this sport (in their adult years). They in turn introduce others.

In the 80s and 90s when I was young, one of the treats about going to the pits was checking out the warbirds and associated attractions. Awesome planes, owners living dreams, and some good looking women hanging around :-).

Owners of million dollar classics cars spend a good sum to attend and partake in vintage racing around the country, and the trend is growing.

In our NCAR, other classes are growing and have lots of competition, the sports class field is outstanding. So, somewhere in RARA/leadership something is not working in their relationship with warbird owners.

We are losing them yearly. This is the only venue where a owner of a vintage warbird can fly a classic in a exciting environment. So, I'm baffled that we are losing owners of these planes??

Sorry for the rant, I love the NCAR and care!

[Sneauxman]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

A study in futility for sure. But I agree with Mr Kelso, FlyKidCris as well as most other posts. The Big Iron is the draw. All the rest of the races and show are a big special bonus. No where else in the world does a week like NCAR at Reno occur. This is a fabulous event and is being treated by the caretakers of the event like a red headed step child. What dummies. It is the same each year with every administration. These folks just don't know the value of this event. It should be advertised nationally and internationally in newspapers, aviation magazines and websites - MONTHS AHEAD. The caretakers of the event will kill it with faint praise. In other words, speak out and tell the world just how special this entire week really is. Also, (please don't kill me), there should be a substantial increase in ticket prices to reflect the value of every hour at Stead. Nobody goes to a ball game, NASCAR, IndyCar or Formula 1 event expecting to get in the door for $30 or 40 bucks. Hell, the drinks and food will be more than Reno admission.
This will be Reno #46 for me including 1 day of qualifying on 9/10. This is my Christmas. This is my birthday. This is my wedding day. The only thing more valuable to me than this week in September is celebrating the Risen Jesus on Easter.
Pay the Unlimiteds. Advertise to save your life and the event. Fly the damn thing like your sole it!!!

[Big_Jim]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

In our NCAR, other classes are growing and have lots of competition, the sports class field is outstanding. So, somewhere in RARA/leadership something is not working in their relationship with warbird owners.

We are losing them yearly. This is the only venue where a owner of a vintage warbird can fly a classic in a exciting environment. So, I'm baffled that we are losing owners of these planes??

That's kind of a niave statement, isn't it? How on earth do you know that RARA's NOT working on the relationship with the warbird owners?

Comparing the 'cost' of running a sport class racer versus bringing even a stock P-51 in the Unlimited class is not just apples and oranges, it's fruit and vegetables. The sport class field is outstanding. True. But I could probably bring my Lancair to Reno and run the entire week plus pay for my crew's expenses for the cost of what it takes in gas to run my P-51 in a single heat race.

Prize money to expense ratio with most of the other classes is probably significantly higher than the Unlimiteds too. Operating expenses for my P-51 are probably tenfold what they were 20 years ago, but the prize money is still pretty much the same. It's more cost beneficial to bring your Lancair, so of course the sport class is going to continue to grow.

Then you have the power play within the Unlimited class a few years back that resulted in the top 3-4 unlimiteds getting a bigger chunk of the pie. Now, in an ideal world that's how it should be. But the downside of that was that guys with the slower planes (I won't name names) were essentially told to go home. And those that wanted to show up would only get a smaller slice of the pie. That was a certain Italian driving that change...so you can't blame RARA...they were just trying to make sure the Unlimiteds even showed up when that decision was made.

Now if I have my stock P-51 I'm being told yeah, you can come race if you want, but we're going to pay you less even though its going to cost you more. If I'm subsidizing my 400 gallon-per-hour P-51 for money that won't even cover my fuel costs, tell me....what's my incentive? That's why you're losing owners of these planes.

[GRNDP51]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

So I guess...:
-Big Iron brings crowds
-We need a full unlimited field
-We need incentive to obtain a full unlimited field ($$$)
-$$$ comes from interest in the sport through spectators and sponsors
-interest in the sport comes from RARA spending the $$$ they already don't have on advertising

It's just and endless circle of unproduction if that's even a word

[JMS]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

I don't know what the hotels/casinos do specifically with/for RARA, but I count at least eight major ones on the sponsor page that are lending their help. Do you not think RARA is trying to do that?

http://airrace.org/sponsors/

In the Sands Regency promotions that I get nothing is said about the air races. At the present time I'm waiting for the Sept/Oct promotions to come in the mail. Kind of short notice if you want to come to the air races. I use to get promotions from Cal-Neva and I don't recall any air race promotions. As a side note the Sands sure jacks up their room rate for the air races and gets a benefit.

I looked at the sponsor page and the Sands Regency didn't appear to be a sponsor. I didn't see Cal-Neva or Harrah's just to mention two more. So, it would appear there are some holes in the marketing effort. I don't know what the other hotels do to promote the air races, but it would be a great way for RARA to leverage their presence through hotel promotion.

To conclude does direct hotel sponsorship of the air races translate to hotel promotion of the air races? I don't know.

[Mark K]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Then you have the power play within the Unlimited class a few years back that resulted in the top 3-4 unlimiteds getting a bigger chunk of the pie. Now, in an ideal world that's how it should be. But the downside of that was that guys with the slower planes (I won't name names) were essentially told to go home. And those that wanted to show up would only get a smaller slice of the pie. That was a certain Italian driving that change...so you can't blame RARA...they were just trying to make sure the Unlimiteds even showed up when that decision was made.

Seems to me everyone involved in making that decision had already given up on any long term future of the sport of Unlimited Class racing.... in fact, it could only serve to accelerate it's demise. How sad

[JMS]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Then you have the power play within the Unlimited class a few years back that resulted in the top 3-4 unlimiteds getting a bigger chunk of the pie. Now, in an ideal world that's how it should be. But the downside of that was that guys with the slower planes (I won't name names) were essentially told to go home. And those that wanted to show up would only get a smaller slice of the pie. That was a certain Italian driving that change...so you can't blame RARA...they were just trying to make sure the Unlimiteds even showed up when that decision was made.

This is kind of off topic, but still pertinent.

There was a time when there was a dog sled race in Alaska that got paid more money ($40,000 give or take) to the winner then what the winner of the Unlimited Gold Race got on Sunday. Plus, Purina through in a years supply of dog food.
Given the investment and maintenance of an Unlimited that was ridiculous. Then RARA made the effort to up the total prize money to one million which I think was appropriate. OK, here is where the rub comes in for me. Nascar lists the winning prize money for each race in Mondays newspaper. Some entity at the air races doesn't want the winning prize money disclosed. When a question is asked what's the prize money it's hush, hush. Ok, if you want to keep the purse quiet then don't play the "we're hurting," card. Same thing with RARA's books, open them up to the public. That's a subject for another day. As a side note with RARA going 503c or Non-Profit I believe the books will become public record if I'm not mistaken. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

[Donald McMullin]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Yes made available to public through IRS Form 990.

[ShermB]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Their tax returns have always been available throught the FIA. People has filed, and gotten, and even posted the findings on different Boards. People just did not know how to use the info.

Anyone with tips or hints for RARA need to sit down calmly, and write them a letter. Blowing off steam HERE is not productive. The Board of Directors are willking to listen. Are the fans.......??????

[Big_Jim]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Their tax returns have always been available throught the FIA. People has filed, and gotten, and even posted the findings on different Boards. People just did not know how to use the info.

Anyone with tips or hints for RARA need to sit down calmly, and write them a letter. Blowing off steam HERE is not productive. The Board of Directors are willking to listen. Are the fans.......??????

Come on, Betty...it's easier to stand in the cheap seats and complain why nobody is doing anything for you.

People, you can be a part of the problem or part of the solution......

[LoveOldPlanes]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

I've said it before. There is no secret to success. This is simply a business that makes it profit selling tickets to see the event. With just over 20 years in business for myself in the obscure world of owning a studio that taught fencing...the one maxim that always proved true was, "85% of your efforts in business have to be marketing." That means that all the hosting and logistics of an event can consume no more than 15% of your time and effort if you want to turn a profit. I'd like to say that NCAR's have a bunch of infighting and favoritism that is the problem, but it is no more than any other organization based around a competition. All the talk about how much the Unlimiteds are the root of the event is meaningless. The event has lost it's customer base by and large and must reach out, educate and engage a new generation of fans. If there aren't more than a few Unlimiteds, them marketing needs to focus on what actually shows up. Just like football did with Monday night football, you have to educate your fans into what is exciting. NOBODY attends this event and thinks, "Gee, I can go get a Bearcat and take part in this..."...when they well might think they could get more involved if they even knew IF 1 existed. In addition, Warbirds racing just isn't cool to a youth crowd. Who cares about a 70 year old plane racing? Sports class, however....is full of modern construction, materials and innovation. (Sure, I'm old and like Unlimiteds, but I'm also realistic about what a fan base should be).

Cliff's: It's the marketing. Nothing else is going to happen until you get cash out of the pockets of new fans. The old ones have bailed and let the event slowly die.

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Their tax returns have always been available throught the FIA. People has filed, and gotten, and even posted the findings on different Boards. People just did not know how to use the info.

Anyone with tips or hints for RARA need to sit down calmly, and write them a letter. Blowing off steam HERE is not productive. The Board of Directors are willking to listen. Are the fans.......??????

The people on the board are ready to listen? Call the RARA office and try and get an email address or phone number some time. I'm sure if you say that you are Betty Sherman you might be able to, but if you are just average joe you don't get very far beyond the switchboard. You get sent to the general email and NEVER get a response.

I hold a corporate job with Clear Channel/iHeartmedia now and report to the national marketing department every week. Through me they hear about the event more and more every week as Reno approaches. They have given me a green light to loan live broadcast equipment to LiveairshowTV and RARA. I have given them emails to every person that I can think of from both organizations. Guess how many emails have been returned??? Zero, zip, zilch, nada. Someone from a national media group offers you half a million dollars in equipment; at least return an email.

[GRNDP51]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

I've said it before. There is no secret to success. This is simply a business that makes it profit selling tickets to see the event. With just over 20 years in business for myself in the obscure world of owning a studio that taught fencing...the one maxim that always proved true was, "85% of your efforts in business have to be marketing." That means that all the hosting and logistics of an event can consume no more than 15% of your time and effort if you want to turn a profit. I'd like to say that NCAR's have a bunch of infighting and favoritism that is the problem, but it is no more than any other organization based around a competition. All the talk about how much the Unlimiteds are the root of the event is meaningless. The event has lost it's customer base by and large and must reach out, educate and engage a new generation of fans. If there aren't more than a few Unlimiteds, them marketing needs to focus on what actually shows up. Just like football did with Monday night football, you have to educate your fans into what is exciting. NOBODY attends this event and thinks, "Gee, I can go get a Bearcat and take part in this..."...when they well might think they could get more involved if they even knew IF 1 existed. In addition, Warbirds racing just isn't cool to a youth crowd. Who cares about a 70 year old plane racing? Sports class, however....is full of modern construction, materials and innovation. (Sure, I'm old and like Unlimiteds, but I'm also realistic about what a fan base should be).

Cliff's: It's the marketing. Nothing else is going to happen until you get cash out of the pockets of new fans. The old ones have bailed and let the event slowly die.

What do you consider "youth"? I was just at the Camarillo airshow today and saw plenty of kids interested in the warbirds. Me being 19 I still consider myself young and VERY involved and obsessed with the races almost too much and I don't want to see a small unlimited field. But yes I do somewhat agree that it's getting harder and harder for the next generation below me to relate to warbirds, which if it was easy for me I feel like it should be just as easy for them. WW2 ended 50 years before I was born and I'm OBSESSED with warbirds and always will be!!!!

I don't see how the sound of a full race Merlin can't attract a teenager to Reno, there is not a sound better in this world

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Operation Saving Reno

Their tent at the Minden Air Show! Yikes!