Reno air races to modify course after crash last year killed 11

Reno air races to modify course after crash last year killed 11

LOS ANGELES — A year after a crash killed 11 and injured more than 70, the Reno Air Racing Association is planning to modify its race course to keep its fastest planes away from spectators, officials said Tuesday.

Association Director Mike Houghton said the group will ask federal regulators for permission to shift the largest course away from the crowd and to soften some of the curves. Houghton made his announcement as a panel appointed by the group released its list of safety recommendations.

The association will hold its 49th annual National Championship Air Race beginning Sept. 12 at Reno Stead Airport in Reno, Nev. During last year’s race, Jimmy Leeward, 74, crashed his World War II-era P-51 Mustang into the box seats in front of a grandstand. Leeward and 10 spectators were killed and more than 70 people were injured in the Sept. 16 accident.