VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – STIHL Inc. is proud to announce back-to-back national championship wins for Team STIHL at the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races (NCAR) in Reno, Nev. Andrew Findlay, the pilot for the One Moment Air Racing Team, won Gold in the Sport Class on Sept. 15. Last year he piloted his modified Lancair Super Legacy aircraft to Gold in the Sport Class and set a course record. Findlay has been competing in Reno since 2013.

For seven years, Findlay worked as a mechanical engineer in the production and quality departments at STIHL Inc. in Virginia Beach, Va. introducing the handheld outdoor power equipment manufacturer to air racing. To shine a light on the STIHL commitment to quality, power and performance, the company took on the role of NCAR title sponsor.

“We’re pleased to be the title sponsor of the 56th annual National Championship Air Races and the One Moment Air Racing team. For us, it is a natural fit. We share a dedication to innovation, precision engineering, power and performance,” said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager for STIHL Inc. “Just like these high-performance aircraft depend on the service they receive from their maintenance teams STIHL customers depend on the service they receive from authorized STIHL Dealers across the nation.”

The annual event, known as the fastest motorsport in the world, features six racing classes plus a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)3 organization, has been putting on the STIHL National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno for over 50 years. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. 

“STIHL has been an incredible partner and we couldn’t be happier for Andy and the One Moment team,” said Fred Telling, Reno Air Racing Association chairman and chief executive officer. “STIHL has been essential in helping propel this sport and event. The team is a wonderful group of thoughtful, innovative and inspiring people and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”