Welcome to  Formula One racing-- without a doubt the most exciting and successful class of air racers in the history of airplane racing!  It has had more races, more pilots and more airplanes than all the other racing classes combined.

Pylon racing is the most thrilling and dramatic of the air races.  Pilots race high-performance, custom built aircraft around a closed course at incredible speeds approaching 300 mph.  There is no margin for error, because the planes fly at less than 100 feet above the ground.

The Formula One Class aircraft race on an oval course.  Although course lengths vary, Reno is typical, with the pylons being set 35-75 feet above the ground on a 3.18 mile course.  Unlike the larger aircraft in other classes, the Formula One aircraft begin racing at take-off.

In the Formula One hangar at the Reno races, up to 24 little planes park at an angle in the pits so that the wings of neighboring planes almost overlap.  Race teams bring in tool cabinets, ice chests, folding chairs, small work tables, individual decorations, and even an occasional sofa.  The pilots, crew, families and friends congregate in the pits while they check, maintain, fix and polish planes between races.  Many of the pilots and crew in Formula One camp out behind the hanger.  This is our "home" for the week of the races.

There are many air races held throughout the country, but the premier event is the National Championship Air races in Reno, NV.  Since 1964, this event has been held at the Reno Stead Field, just outside of Reno, NV.  The Reno Air Racing Association organizes this event. They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving authentic air racing.