National Championship Air Races take off for Roswell, NM in 2025 - Hosted By Command
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Reno Air Racing Association and City of Roswell announce final decision after a year-long site selection
process
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
About the Reno Air Racing Association
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with donations being tax
deductible. RARA’s mission is to produce a first-class air racing and air show event that celebrates and
perpetuates the world’s fastest motorsport. Fueled by decades of success, RARA is committed to
delivering a safe, entertaining and exhilarating experience for fans while also honoring our military,
inspiring our youth and strengthening our community, economy and culture.
For more information, visit AirRace.org
.
About Roswell-Chaves County
Roswell is a city in and the seat of Chaves County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census,
it had a population of 48,422, making it the fifth-most populous city in New Mexico. It is home of the
New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), founded in 1891. The city is also the location of an Eastern New
Mexico University campus. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located a few miles northeast of the
city on the Pecos River. Bottomless Lakes State Park is located 12 miles east of Roswell on US
380. Chaves County forms the entirety of the Roswell micropolitan area. For more information, visit
www.chavescounty.net
