2025 National Championship Air Races

UPDATE (10/10/2024): 

The NCAR 2025 dates in Roswell will be September 10-14, 2025.

2025 dates announced for National Championship Air Races in Roswell

All seven classes of racing will return in new home of Roswell, N.M. next year

Roswell, N.M. – Dates for the 2025 National Championship Air Races (NCAR) have been announced as Wednesday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 14 in the event’s new home of Roswell, N.M. Following an exciting 60th anniversary air show in Reno, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) continues to prioritize the relocation efforts for its world-renowned event to the city of Roswell. When the air races return next year, both long-time and new fans can watch all seven classes of planes take to the skies once again. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit www.airrace.org.

"We are incredibly excited as an organization for this monumental step in air racing history as we begin to execute our plan for the 2025 National Championship Air Races,” said Tony Logoteta, president and chief operating officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. "Since we wrapped our 60th anniversary air show, we’re invigorated by the fact that we’re hosting the air races in a brand-new venue in Roswell. It’s going to be amazing to see this iconic event put on again and see our September family.”

After announcing Roswell as the race’s next location earlier this year, organizers have visited several times since, meeting with emergency services, airport staff, city officials and more. The process has involved designing a new course layout for the races, securing a contractor for grandstand construction, reviewing safety procedures and creating new partnership opportunities with the local community. Additionally, air race pilots are expected to fly the proposed course in the coming months prior to May 2025’s scheduled Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) in Roswell. While a different venue offers new elements to the races, attendees can expect the same spirit of camaraderie, competition and classes of planes that are hallmarks of NCAR. 

“Reuniting with our September family for the first air races in a new venue will be a historic and emotional moment for our organization as we eagerly prepare for next year alongside our partners in Roswell,” said Fred Telling, chairman and chief executive officer of the Reno Air Racing Association. “As we work on site preparations, soon we’ll unveil tickets for 2025, information around PRS and additional race details in the months to come.”

“The City of Roswell team's visit to the Reno Airshow was invaluable as a reconnaissance mission for hosting the National Championship Air Races in 2025,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Their engagement allowed them to expand their grasp of the complexity of organizing an event of this scale. It’s clear they are completely invested in the success of this transition, demonstrating full buy-in and commitment to preserving the legacy of the races while preparing to make them even bigger and better in their new home.”

An update is expected later this year announcing 2025 ticket sales, but for a chance to secure a spot in Roswell with free tickets and airfare, sign up for the organization’s 2025 NCAR giveaway here.  For anyone beginning to coordinate their travel plans for next year, RARA encourages attendees to visit www.seeroswell.com for information on activities in the immediate area. Any visitors looking to make a full trip out of the races can learn more about New Mexico’s history, events and outdoor recreation at  www.newmexico.org.

Exciting News for Roswell, NM: The Reno Air Races Could Boost Our Economy!

The possibility of hosting the legendary Reno Air Races right here in Roswell, New Mexico, is not just about thrilling airshows but also a major economic opportunity for our city. Below are reasons this event could give our local economy a significant lift.

The prospect of hosting the iconic Reno Air Races has Roswell, New Mexico, buzzing with excitement, and we need the entire community to join in and show our unwavering enthusiasm for welcoming this prestigious event. Here are compelling reasons why we believe Roswell should stand together and make it clear why we are the perfect choice:

  • Increased Tourism: With the world's best pilots taking to our skies, we can expect aviation enthusiasts and spectators from near and far to flock to Roswell. This influx of visitors will boost tourism, driving revenue for our local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
  • Job Creation: Preparing for and hosting an event of this magnitude requires a workforce, from event coordinators to vendors, security personnel to hospitality staff. The Reno Air Races would create job opportunities that benefit our community.
  • Business Expansion: Local businesses, especially those in the aviation and tourism sectors, stand to gain from the increased foot traffic and business generated by the event. This means more opportunities for growth and expansion.
  • Promoting Local Products: Events like the Reno Air Races often showcase the best of local products and services. Our businesses have the chance to shine, attracting customers and potential long-term partnerships. 
    Inspiring Future Generations: Hosting the Reno Air Races can ignite the passion for aviation and related STEM fields in our youth. This event could lead to more students pursuing careers in aviation, further strengthening our local workforce.

So, if you're as excited as we are about the possibility of Roswell hosting the Reno Air Races, get ready to not only witness incredible aerobatics but also witness the positive impact on our local economy. Let's keep our fingers crossed and show our support for this exciting opportunity!  #RoswellRenoReady #EconomicBoost #CommunitySupport

How Can You Get Involved?

We encourage every resident, business owner, and aviation enthusiast in Roswell to get involved and show the Reno Air Races why we are the perfect choice. From social media campaigns to community events, we'll be sharing ways for you to participate and make your voice heard.  Here are some great ideas to welcome the site selection committee:

  1.  Posters
  2. Table Tents
  3. Outdoor signage
  4. Buttons
  5. Making sure your customer facing staff is aware
  6. Sharing social media posts

Stay tuned for updates, and let's come together to make Roswell the ultimate host for the Reno Air Races. Join us in this thrilling journey and help us demonstrate why Roswell, New Mexico, should be the new home for this legendary aviation event. Together, we can make it happen!

#roswellairraceready

Use the graphic below on your marketing pieces  

Roswell emerges as top contender to host prestigious Reno Air Races 

Roswell, NM — The skies above Roswell, New Mexico are buzzing with excitement as the city becomes a leading contender in the search for a new home for the renowned Reno Air Races. The prospect of hosting this iconic aviation event has ignited the enthusiasm of local officials, aviation enthusiasts, and the broader community. With its rich aviation history and strategic location, Roswell is poised to provide the perfect setting for the next chapter in the storied legacy of the Reno Air Races.


What are the Reno Air Races? 

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) headquartered in Reno, NV, was founded in 1964 and established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Their vision is to “establish the Reno Air Racing Association as the pinnacle of inspiration, education and exhilaration for people of all ages.” Recently, the decision was made by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority to end their 57-year engagement at the Reno-Stead Airport outside Reno, Nevada. RARA is seeking to locate and partner with airports and localities that will allow them to continue the World’s Fastest Motorsport. Their event was recently named the #1 air show in the US on the 2023 USA Today “10 Best” list. Each year, tens of thousands of patrons from all over the world flock to the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) resulting in an economic impact that exceeds $100 million. In addition to the regional economic boost, Reno Air Races Association provides over $100,000 of tickets and cash contributions to local charities and philanthropic organizations. The races are definitely one of the main economic drivers for the Reno region.


Why Roswell, New Mexico? 

Roswell is an outstanding candidate to host the National Championship Air Races (NCAR):
1. Aviation Heritage: Known as the "Alien Capital of the World," Roswell has a deep and diverse aviation heritage, featuring both military and civilian connections. Today’s Roswell Air Center is an enduring testament to the city's historic commitment to excellence in aviation.
2. Strategic Location: Roswell's location in the heart of Southeast New Mexico offers excellent accessibility for participants and spectators alike. Its established highway network active commercial airport make it an ideal hub for this premier aviation event.
3. Community Support: The Roswell community has embraced the potential of hosting the National Championship Air Races. Local businesses, volunteers, and aviation enthusiasts are eager to come together to ensure the success of the event.
4. Spectacular Scenery: The wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes of the New Mexico desert create a breathtaking backdrop for air racing, providing an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
 

Mike Espiritu, President & CEO of the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation, expressed, “We are honored to be considered as a potential host for the prestigious Reno Air Races. Our city is ready to open its arms to the world of aviation, promising an unforgettable and thrilling experience for all who attend."
 

The Road Ahead 

The selection process is underway, and Roswell is committed to demonstrating its suitability. Community stakeholders, local authorities, and event organizers are working closely to make the dream of hosting the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) in Roswell a reality. After submitting the official proposal in August 2023, Roswell expects to host an upcoming site visit, and receive a final decision in early 2024. If selected, Roswell will host their first NCAR in September 2025.