National Championship Air Races Launch in Roswell, New Mexico

The National Championship Air Races have officially debuted in Roswell, New Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the event’s 60-year history. This five-day competition, taking place at a former Air Force base and commercial airfield, showcases thrilling airplane races at extraordinary speeds, attracting aviation enthusiasts from across the country.

The races will run until Sunday, featuring a range of aircraft including self-constructed Formula 1 prop racers and aerobatic biplanes, capable of exceeding speeds of 500 miles per hour (804 kilometers per hour). Pilots navigate a course defined by vintage pylons, racing as low as 250 feet (76 meters) above the ground, while ensuring they do not descend below 50 feet (15 meters).

Tony Logoteta, president of the Reno Air Racing Association, emphasized the unique nature of the event: “It’s up to eight planes in the sky together at the same time racing against each other, not against a clock, and there’s just nowhere else in the world you can see it like this.” This year’s races have moved from Nevada to Roswell, as the space available for racing in Nevada became increasingly limited due to urban development.

Organizers are optimistic, expecting to draw between 30,000 and 40,000 unique visitors to the event, with many spectators traveling from neighboring Texas. Prior to the opening day, tens of thousands of tickets were sold, and accommodations in Roswell were fully booked. The economic impact of the races is significant; in its final decade in Reno, the event attracted over 1 million visitors and generated more than $750 million for the local economy.

New Mexico has invested millions into improvements at the Roswell Air Center, including the construction of grandstands to accommodate up to 9,500 spectators. The location is praised for its ample space, providing an uninterrupted view of the course against the clear desert sky. Cities across six states competed to host the races, with Roswell ultimately selected for its open land and suitable facilities.

This year’s competitions include several air shows featuring military and vintage aircraft, along with aerobatic displays. The national championship has only experienced a few interruptions since its inception in 1964, notably due to the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the races have a history of thrilling competition, safety remains a priority. The recent tragic collision of two vintage planes during the 2023 national championships in Reno raised concerns. That incident brought the total number of fatalities in the racing’s history to 24, with the deadliest event occurring in 2011, when a crash resulted in the deaths of ten spectators.

Logoteta reassured attendees about the safety measures in place at the new venue, stating, “Safety is always No. 1… we also recognize that there is inherent risk in any motorsport to the participants.” The course has been accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration, and pilots are required to undergo mandatory training and testing. Spectators will be seated along straightaways, which are located farther from potential hazards associated with turn maneuvers.

The Roswell location also provides a significant distance from populated areas, as it spans 80 square miles (207 square kilometers) and was previously home to the Walker Air Force Base before its closure in 1967. Fire, rescue, and law enforcement agencies will closely monitor the event to ensure safety protocols are followed.

As the air races unfold throughout the week, fans and participants alike will experience the excitement of this historic aviation event in a new and expansive setting.