Pin, Section 3

Metal pin in the shape of number 3 with a cloud infill. Gold colored edges with large black "3" the height and width of pin. Slightly banked black enamel prop airplane outlined in gold flies toward viewer, with one wing extending past red cloud edge. Below plane in the cloud is "RENO" in black block letters outlined in gold. "SECTION" in gold block letters at top of "3" and "AIR RACES" in gold block letters at bottom. Reverse is gold colored with textured square pattern and two gold butterfly clutch pins.

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.