The National Championship Air Races Are Ready for Their Inaugural Event in Roswell

Chaves County residents are eagerly awaiting the National Championship Air Races, which run from September 10 to 14 this year. This will be the first year the races are held in their new home of Roswell, New Mexico, following decades of tradition in Reno, Nevada.

“We’re picking up a 60-year-old institution and bringing it to a new place,” says Greg Gibson, head of Marketing and Business Development for the Reno Air Racing Association. “Roswell has such a rich history, and we get to build on that legacy, engage the community, and have a significant economic impact on job growth and business investment.”

You don’t have to be an aviation expert to enjoy the World’s Fastest Motorsport. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming air races and how they can change the shape of Roswell in 2025 and beyond. 

The Races Bring an Immersive Event to the Roswell Air Center

Nearly 100 aircraft and crews will travel to Chaves County to participate in the National Championship Air Races, delighting fans of all ages with their wide variety, speed, daring and agility. However, there’s much more to see than just the races. While the grandstand and viewing area take up about half an acre, there are 82 acres of planes on display and an entire midway to explore.

“A single day is not enough to spend at the air races,” says Gibson. “You need time to take in the wide variety of beautiful race, vintage, and military aircraft that showcase the evolution of aviation.” He also highlights the airshow entertainers and dozens of vendors at the midway, who seem to sell just about anything.

Attendees can also add Pit Passes to their tickets, which give them up-close access in ways they can’t have with NASCAR or Formula One racing. Visitors can talk to pilots and mechanics to learn more about the planes and how they fly. 

The Air Races Rely on Volunteer Support

The Reno Air Racing Association is not a major sporting corporation like the NFL or NBA. Instead, it is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a small staff of people driven by a passion for air racing and aviation. The organization relies on thousands of volunteers willing to donate their time and skills to make this event happen.

“We cannot do this without our volunteers,” says Gibson.

Chaves County residents can sign up to volunteer online or use this first year to check out the races and see what they are all about.  

“We call it our September family,” says Gibson. “Come out and be part of the fun and pageantry. You can return each year and see the friends you met and get to know the pilots and their planes.” 

Roswell Residents Enthusiastically Welcomed the Air Races

Gibson speaks highly of Chaves County and the support that residents have offered as the National Championship Air Races moved into town. The air races haven’t even started yet, but the community is already excited about their impact.  

“We want to make sure our new hometown is as excited by our presence as we are to be here,” says Gibson. “Everyone in the region has been great. They have welcomed us with open arms. It’s fantastic to be around people who are so excited to see you.”

Gibson also credits the City of Roswell and the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC) with helping to bring the races to town.

“Everyone has been engaged with this project, and no one misses a meeting,” he says. “I’m confident that anybody who does business with Roswell will feel the same way we do. I’m not sure they realize how special this city actually is.”

The RCCEDC is also excited about the future and how the air races can change the economy, reputation, and culture of Roswell. 
“When I set out to bring the Reno Air Races to Roswell, it wasn’t just about the roar of engines or the thrill of flight — it was about giving our town a moment to rise, to be seen, and to believe in its own potential again,” says Mike Espiritu, President and CEO of the RCCEDC. “This is for every dreamer who calls Roswell home. We didn’t just land an air race—we reignited a spirit, and now we’ll be known forever for more than just aliens.

The Air Races Have an Estimated $100 Million Economic Impact

The National Championship Air Races are expected to attract between 50,000 and 80,000 attendees, tens of thousands of whom will travel across the state and country for the event. They are expected to create 800 to 1,000 jobs, with direct and indirect economic impacts. Hotels will be almost completely booked, restaurants will see an uptick in customers, and other businesses will also benefit from the influx of tourists during mid-September.

Even businesses outside of the hospitality field will benefit from the Air Races. Print shops that create menus for restaurants, for example, would also see an increase in orders as businesses create specials and happy hour events during the races.

Many people are visiting Roswell for the first time this year. Some are extending their trips to explore other parts of the state, while will fall in love with everything Chaves County has to offer. 
 
“All of Southeastern New Mexico will benefit from this,” says Gibson. “We’re also doing our part by partnering with local businesses so they can grow because of our event.”

Roswell has a chance to create a wonderful first impression for aviation enthusiasts and win them over so they return for years to come. Not only will this create an economic boom annually, but it can also grow the local population if people choose to move here because of Roswell’s excellent communities. 

See Why Businesses and Families Choose Chaves County

The Reno Air Racing Association isn’t the only organization relocating to Chaves County and having a big impact on the economy. The aviation industry continues to grow in Roswell alongside other advanced manufacturing firms. The tight-knit community offers a high quality of life for residents, making hiring easy.

Work with an EDC that understands your needs and can help you expand or relocate your business. Contact the RCCEDC today and take the first steps toward finding your new home.