Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

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.

Nation of Speed
Object Details
Type MEMORABILIA-Events Physical Description Four copper colored plastic bead necklaces such as used in Mardi Gras celebrations. Metallic-looking shperical beads molded around string. Connecter is clear plastic cylinder, not intended for routine opening and closing of strand. Dimensions 3-D (each, 15g): 39 × 1.6 × 0.9cm (1 ft. 3 3/8 in. × 5/8 in. × 3/8 in.)
 Materials Plastic, string (synthetic)
 Inventory Number A20210250000 Credit Line Gift of Section 3 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.