Led by founder Bob Lewis, Section 3 is a raucous, fun-loving, and orange-clad group of fans dedicated to the National Championship Air Races at Reno, Nevada. Lewis started attending in 1979 with his friends from the Idaho National Guard. While aircraft were landing and taking off between the race heats, he and his friends entertained the crowd. At the 1982 races on Thursday, September 16, Lewis invited everyone to meet in section 3 in the spectator stands the following day (Friday, September 17), which marks the official beginning of the group and explains the meaning of their name. The makers of the IMAX film, Air Racers 3D (2012), recognized Section 3 as an essential part of the Reno experience.
Spectators and fans are an overlooked, but crucial, element in understanding the role of motorsports in American culture. Their enthusiasm has fueled professional motorsports and created related industries, such as fan-centric memorabilia.
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Type
MEMORABILIA-Events
Physical Description
Roughly square orange fabric flag with slim wood pole; Section 3 name and logo printed in black on fabric. Machine sewn finished edges. "Jason Allen" handwritten in black ink, lower left corner (opposite stick).
Dimensions
3-D: 47.6 × 92.7 × 1.3cm (1 ft. 6 3/4 in. × 3 ft. 1/2 in. × 1/2 in.)
3-D (display mount weight): 50.2 × 92.7 × 1.9cm, 4.5kg (1 ft. 7 3/4 in. × 3 ft. 1/2 in. × 3/4 in., 10lb.)
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Ink
Inventory Number
A20210256000
Credit Line
Gift of Section 3
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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