the first reno air races, in 1964 and 1965, were organized by world war ii veteran bill stead. they took place at sky ranch airfield, a dirt strip barely long, which was located in present-day spanish springs. after stead air force base (20 miles to the west, and named in honor of bill's brother, croston stead) was closed in 1966, that field was turned over for public use, and the races have been held there since then.