Roswell announced as one of top three finalists to host the National Championship Air Races

 Roswell, NM — The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) has selected Roswell to move forward as one of three finalists to become the next home of the National Championship Air Races (NCAR). RARA’s Chairman, Fred Telling, expressed, “Our entire team is deeply impressed by your city's hospitality, the quality of the proposals submitted, and the genuine enthusiasm displayed by your committee.”

Since the Spring of 2023, the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC) has been representing the City of Roswell in its bid to host the annual National Championship Air Races starting in September 2025.

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) headquartered in Reno, NV has hosted the annual NCAR event since 1964. For the last 59 years, Reno-Stead Airport has been the home to the “world’s fastest motorsport,” but the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority recently decided to end this long-time arrangement. RARA released a request for proposal (RFP) for prospective host cities in May 2023 along with a Bidder’s Conference at Reno in June. Roswell submitted its RFP in August and then sent a team of six community leaders to survey the last NCAR at Reno in September. At that time, Roswell was one of among over 30 bidders for the event. Six months later, after multiple site visits and consistent exchanges with the RARA team, the City of Roswell is one of the three remaining finalists.

The NCAR is widely known as “The World’s Fastest Motorsport” and attracts both participants and spectators from around the world. The final 2023 event attracted over 70,000 visitors and brought an economic impact of over $100 million to the Reno metropolitan area. RARA also contributes portions of ticket sales and cash contributions to local charities and organizations. RARA will maintain a year-round staff in their new host city and depend on a family of over 1,200 volunteers each September.

Mike Espiritu, President and CEO of the RCCEDC says, “We are thrilled about this opportunity to be the new home for NCAR and the Reno Air Racing Association.  With our vast airspace and Air Center, we have much to offer. Our local elected city and county leaders, businesspeople, and the surrounding regional communities are strong partners in this endeavor.  We look forward to supporting and assisting RARA to many more years of success here in our community.”

Fred Telling, further commented that, “Roswell has been selected to move ahead in the process. The selection process has been highly competitive, and we are confident that among our finalists the National Championship Air Races will find a dynamic and welcoming new home.”

For further information and inquiries, please contact:
Mike Espiritu, RCCEDC President & CEO, 575-622-1975, mike@chavescounty.net