RENO — Each year, many people give their hard work, dedication and commitment in order to make the National Championship Air Races a success. This year, the Reno Air Racing Association honors those individuals with the distinguished Chairman’s and Person of the Year awards.

The 2010 Reno Air Racing Association Person of the Year, Tom Gribbin, far exceeds typical day-to-day expectations with his continued commitment and contribution. As the racecourse “design guru,” he defines and marks the unique courses used at the National Championship Air Races each year. In addition, he maintains the event’s official rules of competition and has volunteered his time for more than 30 years, 20 of which have been spent as a member of the board of directors for the Reno Air Racing Association.

“The Person of the Year award honors someone who supports causes that are important to the Air Races, someone who supports the event or the foundation and is an aviation innovator,” said Mike Houghton, president and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Tom Gribbin has helped to place our event among the premier air events around the world and we are thankful for his contributions.”

The Chairman’s Award winners are selected by the chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association. This year’s awards recognize the efforts of Rick Murdock, vice president of sales and casino marketing for the Eldorado Hotel and Casino; Brig. Gen. William R. Burks, adjutant general of the National Guard; and Norm Dianda, president of Q&D Construction.

The 47th annual National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno will be held this week, Wednesday through Sunday, at the Reno-Stead Airfield and will feature the Canadian Snowbirds.  For tickets or more information, visit www.airrace.org or call 972-6663.