After a year-long search, the Reno Air Racing Association has found a new home for the National Championship Air Races: Roswell, New Mexico.
“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.”
In April 2023, RARA initiated an official request for proposals, receiving 38 inquiries from prospective locations across the country. Following this, 11 cities participated in bidders’ conferences, with six submitting comprehensive proposals: Buckeye, Arizona, Thermal, California, Wendover, Utah, Casper, Wyoming, Pueblo, Colorado, and Roswell, New Mexico.
After a series of site visits conducted at each location, 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, officials noted.
The National Championship Air Races will take place at the Roswell Air Center (KROW), a former military base for the Army and Air Force. Today, KROW is one of the largest centers for the commercial aviation industries of the Southwest, Reno officials noted.
“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,” officials said. “Roswell’s annual UFO Festival is held every summer where attendees from all over can experience something truly out of this world.”
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,” officials continued.
“As the new home of the National Championship Air Races, 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,” officials noted. “Additionally, Roswell’s airfield will set the stage for the next generation of high fliers 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.”
The 2025 event will feature seven classes of racing, static displays, military demonstrations, and more, according to Reno Air Racing Association officials.
Meanwhile, planning continues for the 2024 Reno Air Show and the 60th anniversary celebration in Oct. 4-6 at Reno Stead Airport (KRTS).
In March 2023, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority made the decision to “sunset” the races at KRTS, citing significant growth in the region, according to Reno Air Racing Association officials.
More About Roswell
Roswell is the seat of Chaves County in New Mexico. 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. For more information: ChavesCounty.net.
For more information: AirRace.org
Still think Wendover is a better place. Parking, motels, hotels, unlimited air space.
Well, I’d say this will be end of the Reno Air Races. I’ve traveled with a group of five other attendees for years to the Air Races, no more.
RIP Reno Air Races.
The Reno Air Races were over years ago (IMO) when the modified Unlimiteds stopped showing up. It’s been nothing more than parade laps with basically stock WW2 planes, most clocking in under 400mph I went to the “races” 4 times in mid ’80’s-mid-’90’s. It was a long drive back then 1500 miles (round trip) but accommodations were plentiful in Reno and the night life was fun too and the modified Unlimiteds were plentiful. Once I even flew down on a jet to a real airport!
Now, it’s in Roswell NM and more than 3700 miles round trip, no nite life maybe a Motel 6 or similar…NO THANKS
Aliens would compete in the unlimited class? Still seems unfair…..
And all the hotel rooms are where?
Check google maps. There are 4 chain motels in town and 3 RV parks. So, probably a lot of rooms to reserve….or drive an RV there, and probably a lot of room for camping on the field.!
This is great news, but are alien aircraft going to be allowed to compete? 😉
An alien that is a friend of mine told me he/she (? I stll don’t know the gender) will be presented, if by chance, the Reno Air Racing Association some day should be based in Roswell. And, added, he/she will not compete, because that will take any chance to the others competitors 😉😉😉