The National Air Race Championships will move to Roswell, New Mexico. For decades, this exciting annual air race has been held in Reno, Nevada.
The days of the Reno Air Race have faded into history, but the race will live on. The last Reno Air Race was held in 2023. The collision eventually resulted in the death of two pilots..
The world’s fastest motorsport will take off again in September 2025.
Why Roswell?
“We are excited to bring our proud air race tradition to Roswell and believe they have the passion and resources to continue our air races for generations to come,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of the Reno Air Race Association.
Roswell beat out several other cities that were seriously considering it.
Many communities expressed interest, but only six submitted complete proposals. The three finalists were Casper, Wyoming; Pueblo, Colorado; and Roswell, New Mexico.
Roswell Air Center (ROW), a former Army and Air Force military base, was able to meet all of RARA’s needs. The venue’s capacity, ability to handle hundreds of aircraft and the ability to support a large racetrack were among the many considerations.
Time will tell if Roswell/ROW and the area can really support the expected horse racing crowds. Reno-Steady Airport (site of the former racetrack) is a much larger city with more amenities and hotels nearby. Not to mention casinos and Lake Tahoe. Roswell is tiny in comparison.
First Roswell Air Race
The inaugural Roswell National Championship Air Race will be held in September 2025 at the Roswell Air Center.
The new contest will again include 7 classes of competition, static displays, military demos, etc. Over the years Reno has basically become an air contest/air show hybrid, trying to attract young people with jets and demo teams and whatever cool stuff they can get their hands on.
For more information, visit www.airrace.org
