The Reno Air Racing Association has revealed the top three locations in the running to become the future home of the National Championship Air Races: Casper, Wyoming, Pueblo, Colorado, and Roswell, New Mexico.
In April 2023, after receiving 38 inquiries from different locations, an official request for proposals from the Reno Air Racing Association was sent out nationwide to find a new home for the National Championship Air Races. Eleven cities attended one of two bidders’ conferences in 2023, expressing further interest to host the event. Of the 11, six cities submitted complete proposals.
Besides the three finalists, Buckeye, Arizona, Thermal, California, and Wendover, Utah, also submitted proposals.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing, positive feedback we’ve received from the six bidding communities as a whole, as we search for the future home for the National Championship Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the Reno Air Racing Association. “There were many, many elements to consider, and we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all the entrants who put in the time and effort to submit their carefully thought-out proposals. Through a rigorous vetting process, we feel confident that one of these three locations will provide the right mix of elements our event needs to continue to race well into the future.”
A series of site visits were conducted at each of the six locations by board members, pilot representatives, and other committee participants to assess the viability of hosting the races at their facilities. A myriad of factors were taken into account, including the ability of venues to host large crowds, handle hundreds of aircraft, and support the large race course needed for the event, officials noted.
With these and many other factors in mind, Casper, Pueblo, and Roswell were chosen as the top three finalists.
A final decision on the future home of the National Championship Air Races is expected in April 2024.
In the interim, the organization continues to prepare for its 2024 air show and 60th anniversary celebration in Reno in October ahead of the return of the air races in 2025.
For more information: AirRace.org
What about Ohio? or Indiana.