Breitling Has Pulled Out After More Than A Decade In Reno

Swiss watch maker Breitling has ended its 12-year relationship with the National Air Races ... better known simply as "Reno" ... leaving the organization seeking a new title sponsor for the event.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that the company made its intentions known Wednesday morning. "Supporting the National Championship Air Races in Reno for the past 12 years has been a privilege for Breitling because it celebrates our passion and enthusiasm for aviation," Breitling North American President Thierry Prissert said in a statement. "Breitling will no longer be the presenting sponsor of the Air Races in 2016. We wish the Reno Air Races Association and Air Races fans much success next year and are grateful for the memories we have shared over the years."

The race saw some hard times the past few years, due in part to the recession and an accident in 2011 that fatally injured pilot Jimmy Leeward and 10 people on the ground. Breitling stuck with the race through the lean times. Reno Air Races CEO Mike Crowell said that Breitling made its decision in October, but had not made that information public until now.

Breitling had brought its jet demonstration team to Reno for the first time in 2015. Crowell said that the Blue Angels are on the schedule for the 2016 event, which is planned for September 14-18 at Reno Stead airport. Crowell said other acts will be announced next month.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://airrace.org