Nevada Commission on Tourism to provide $600,000 for Reno Air Races

Marilyn Newton / AP

Vic McMann, left, of Point Roberts, Wash., and Jim Thomas of Livermore, Calif., vie for position in the first T-6 race of the day Wednesday Sept. 10, 2008, at the Reno National Championship Air Races.

By Scott Sonner, Associated Press

Thursday, July 26, 2012 | 10 a.m.

RENO, Nev. — Nevada’s state tourism commission has agreed to a $600,000 sponsorship of the National Championship Air Races to make sure the 49th annual competition goes forward in Reno in September.

Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday in support of the money that air race organizers said they needed to make a final insurance payment. The insurance premium jumped from $300,000 to $2 million after last year’s tragic crash killed 11 and injured more than 70.

Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, who chairs the tourism commission, says they will negotiate details of the sponsorship in the coming weeks.

Krolicki says the air races are important not only to northern Nevada but the entire state. He says they create a significant economic impact and generate worldwide exposure of the region.