RENO, NV (March 12_ — Big news in our region’s racing plus the first annual Swap Meet at Rattlesnake Raceway. And this month’s first meet for Sparks Cars & Coffee.
BIG NEWS:
• After 60 years the Reno National Championship Air Races will end this year. The Airport Authority canceled the event’s lease citing safety concerns.
Needless to say this has created a huge amount of controversy and many different opinions are flying around on social media.
As a result there will be a hole in the area’s economic picture after this year. The event is known around the world and many travel here to see it, not to mention the amount of private aircraft parked at the Reno Airport during the races.
So if one wants to see a unique event this is the year. RARA has stated they are looking at another location so have to see what happens in the future. Still it will be a loss for this area.
SWAP MEET:
• Although the turnout Saturday at Rattlesnake Raceway’s first swap meet was a bit less than expected there were still a bunch of items to swap for racers. But there should be more like this in the future.
Rusty McMillan is not the President of LARA and the promoter for Rattlesnake Raceway.
“Took it over. We’re painting, right now putting in new pit grandstands, cleaning it up and getting rid of the junk yard,” he said. “Trying to bring it back and the lake is getting pumped out and in another two weeks it’ll be gone.”
He added that nine people showed up and were pretty happy. They wanted another one soon and he hopes to start making it an annual thing.
Asked about the upcoming season he said, “Response has been good, got a lot of support from the people. They’re on board and trying to bring this place back. I think we’re going to have a really good turnout. I think it’s going to be a really good and solid season.”
First race of the season is a Friday/Saturday show the weekend of April 28/29 and on the second day there will be a driver meet and greet. Racing begins at 7 p.m. Friday and starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.
CAR MEET
• Mother Nature gave everyone a break on Sunday so a larger amount of cars, trucks and a Class B motorhome showed up Sunday.
As usual there was a mix of cars, like a Subaru and Lamborghini parked side by side. Several trucks were present and a couple of motorcycles.
One person showed what a spoiler could be used for. Kind of makes a nice cup holder when parked of course.
One of the more unusual vehicles was a new camper van brought in by Brandon Daily.
“It’s a 2023 Storyteller Overland Ford Transit camper van and it’s 20 feet long,” he said. “It has basically all the amenities, microwave, sink, cook top, has a bathroom and a folding Murphy Bed in the back.
“Has a Volta Battery system so it actually has a second alternator and it will charge up the battery in about an hour and fifteen minutes of driving. I’ve had it for three months and never had to plug it in.”
As usual these don’t come with spare tires and he hopes to get a bike rack eventually and maybe a spare.
“Asked about driving he said, “It’s awesome, it has the V-6 Ecoboost so it has plenty of power. Never had an issue getting on the Interstate or anything.”
He did mention being on the Interstate going about 70 miles an hour it gets about 12.9 miles to the gallon. However cruising around town he can get up to about 21 miles to the gallon. So he’s pretty happy with this camper van.
Close by his camper van was another car that came with right hand drive. It is owned by Wilson Pendarvis and his car is a 1997 Nissan President JF.
“Is right hand drive, imported from Japan with about 30,000 miles one it,” he said. “I’ve only had it for about a month and a half. Came with BBS Wheels and coil overs so that’s about it. I did put a little bit of a sound system in it so I can drive it around in peace.”
Next question is how it drives.
“It drives great, it’s kind of geared for highways so the shift points are made for comfort. I’ve never seen it get above 3,000 RPM so it’s just a cruiser,” he said. “I don’t know the mileage for sure but think its about 16 to 18
on the freeway.
“It has a 4.5 V-8, same engine that is in the Q45 of the same era. Not the fastest engine in the world but it’s built for comfort.”
Among the other cars were two Porsches that under the cloud cover added some color to the event. Next car meet is the second one this month for Reno Cars & Coffee at the Human Bean located by the corner of Keitzke and Moana Lanes.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Daveys Amercian Racing is usually on at 6 p.m. Wednesday evenings. One can see the show on Face Book and get into the chat was well.
Davey covers national series as well as racing in the western United States. His focus is on oval tracks.
• For those planning on racing at this year’s Virginia Grand Prix registration is now open. This year’s drawing party will be at 5 p.m. on April 1st hosted by the Red Dog Saloon. Should be a great event, especially for those receiving low numbers.
• For those headed to Winnemucca next weekend for the season opening BBMX race, sign ups are now open. One can save some time by doing this now.
BBMX also had some suggestions for those wanted to be sure they’re race ready. As normal Saturday is for practice while Sunday will be race day and the first gate drop should be around 9 a.m.
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We now have five very appreciated sponsors supporting this site. Please patronize them as they support your sport and help nvracingnews continue. And let them know you heard about them through this site.
• One of our sponsors is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
The shop services older and new transmissions and now has a section for high performance units and those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Two of our sponsors are first class motorcycle shops located in Reno.
• Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need and the store also has a full service shop.
Their location is at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Store’s phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
• The next shop is Moto-Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they are a full service shop plus the showroom has about any thing a rider might need or want.
The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
• Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
• Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night, good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
The location is 1590 South Wells Avenue, just north of the round about. Phone number is 775-323-6366 and their website is www.pjandco.net.
Have a business targeted toward motorsports or car enthusiasts? This site is a great way to expose your services to those communities. Sponsorships are very reasonable and one can contact us either through the comment section of this site or on our Face Book page.
