Reno Air Races

UPDATE: 

Check out the 06/04/2024 story on Roswell in Northern Nevada Business Weekly.  

National Championship Air Races Take Off for Roswell, NM in 2025

Reno Air Racing Association and City of Roswell announce final decision after a year-long site selection process

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) proudly announces that Roswell, NM will be the new home of the world-renowned National Championship Air Races (NCAR). Following a lengthy selection process by RARA, and after demonstrating its commitment to carry forward this one-of-a-kind event, Roswell has been chosen to host the return of the air races in 2025. The event will continue to feature seven classes of racing, static displays, military demonstrations and more, welcoming fans back to the stands as the world’s fastest motorsport takes to the skies once again. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit www.airrace.org.

“We’re thrilled to bring our honored tradition of racing to Roswell and are confident that they have both the enthusiasm and resources to expand the future of our races for many generations to come,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association. “While Roswell was chosen, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support, dedication and enthusiasm shown by all the communities who submitted their bids to host our event. It was incredibly difficult to select a final location as each venue had their own unique strengths and challenges. At the end of the day, we are thankful and deeply appreciative of the teams in Pueblo and Casper who invested their time and efforts in the process.”

This decision marks a significant milestone in the event’s history, as Roswell provides an opportunity to bring national championship air racing to a new part of the country while starting the next chapter for the organization. As the new home of NCAR, Roswell provides air race participants and enthusiasts an opportunity to see the event in a new light with a newly designed course and opportunities for new attractions, specific to the location. Additionally, Roswell’s airfield will set the stage for the next generation of highfliers to compete in an innovative and exciting environment. 

“To know that Roswell will be the future home of the National Championship Air Races is a privilege and honor,” said Mike Espiritu, president and CEO for the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation. “The event landing in Roswell is a testament to the collaboration and support of the region who have worked for the past year to make this dream a reality. We are confident that we can help the event grow and expand for many years to come.”

In April of 2023, RARA initiated an official request for proposals, receiving an impressive 38 inquiries from prospective locations across the country. Following this, eleven cities participated in bidders’ conferences, with six submitting comprehensive proposals. After a series of site visits conducted at each location by RARA, factors such as the ability of venues to host large crowds, handle hundreds of aircraft and support the large racecourse needed for the event were taken into consideration. With these and many other factors in mind – Casper, Pueblo and Roswell were chosen as the top three finalists. 

The National Championship Air Races will take place at the Roswell Air Center (ROW), a former military base for the Army and Air Force. Today, ROW is one of the largest centers for the commercial aviation industries of the Southwest. In addition to attending the air races, attendees can also enjoy a day at the Mescalero Sand Dunes, visit the Walker Aviation Museum, head to the Spring River Zoo or Carlsbad Caverns and much more. Roswell’s annual UFO Festival is held every summer where attendees from all over can experience something truly out of this world. 

While preparations continue for the 2024 Reno Air Show and the 60th anniversary celebration in October, the organization is looking forward to planning the return of the National Championship Air Races in their new home in Roswell in September 2025. For further details or to support the organization, visit www.airrace.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.