Reno Air Race insurance cheaper this year

RENO — Organizers of the Reno National Championship Air Races say they plan more of a festival atmosphere at the 51st competition at Reno Stead Airport in September.

The Reno Air Racing Association said in an open letter to fans Tuesday that it is adding concerts and races and expanding military aircraft displays Sept. 10-14.

The Air Races has been plagued by skyrocketing insurance costs since a crash in 2011 killed a pilot and 10 people on the ground.

But the group leaders say they recently secured a policy at a significantly lower cost than the previous two years and think they are “financially positioned for a prosperous 2014 and beyond.”

They say this year’s celebration will be a “true festival of flight.”