There certainly weren't 200,000 people there on the day of the accident. How can you tell that 200,000 attended? All I see is a memorial page when I go to the Reno air race website.

I'd like to see the attendance numbers at Reno when there is no air show. How many people actually show up just for air racing?

Actually, yes they do. They're called "spotters". I don't see the attraction, but they definitely exist.

The races started out as private events. Private individuals own those aircraft and race them as a very costly and expensive hobby. Nobody makes money at the races and allowing spectators is catering to the publics own personal enjoyment. The proceeds from the ticket sales offsets the expense of handling parking, a place for them sit, and the higher insurance rates the airport has to pay for having spectators.

Why should they be closed to the public? Life entails risk....

If an owner puts the fruits of labor at risk by sharing the a joy of aviation and passion for flight with the public, he runs the risk of somebody who climbs on the wing to look in the cockpit, slipping, falling, and suing him.

Now he isn't passing on anything, even for himself. He is paying lawyers and spending time in court.

No thanks....

Attendance for Reno over the week is around 200,000.. (Google reno air race attendance figures). I did the week figures because I couldn't get a daily figure and also because you were using the 'per-event' numbers. If you do it by day.

If you do it by day then obviously you'll get a different number.

I agree. That is the difference. There is no money to be made in air racing. Otherwise, it would be as big as other more lucrative "professional" sports.

Air racing is a great way to turn millions into thousands very quickly.

The only thing air racing does is spark peoples interest in aviation. Opening the races to the public allowed them to experience the power and speed of the pinnacle of WWII era piston engine aircraft development. It is a way to share a passion.

It will will just go back to being a private event without public access.

That includes the air show, which distorts the numbers.

200,000 x $10 General Admission = 2,000,000 USD

That is nothing when compared to the expenses of a single unlimited class racer.

Right up until the inevitable crash and cloud of black smoke. Then it does the opposite.

whats wrong with that? Honestly, I dont get your message.

What world are you living in? car races and airshows should become strictly private again? organised only as VIP club events and the public has to stay on the other side of the fence and watch from 1km distance?

come on...you must be joking