Tickets on Sale for 2025 National Championship Air Races

The races are set to take place September 10-14 at the Roswell Air Center (KROW) in New Mexico. 

"Moving to Roswell has given us the opportunity to see how we can expand the NCAR experience for both attendees and pilots alike," said Fred Telling, CEO of NCAR. "We’re especially excited to offer attendees more camping options and seeing how it adds to the NCAR experience. We’ll still see the same competitive flying from all seven classes but with new vendors, exhibits and a gorgeous New Mexico backdrop. We believe both longtime fans and new attendees will see how thrilling it is to hold the races in such an iconic location like Roswell.”

According to race organizers, the 2025 event will feature more than 100 aircraft and pilots competing in seven classes. In addition, there will be several historic aircraft displays, military demonstrations, and STEM educational activities. In addition to the air races, there will be a short takeoff and landing (STOL) competition, along with vendors and food booths.

NCAR officials said they are expecting a good turnout at the inaugural racing event at Roswell. For decades, the competition had been held in Nevada and was so well known in the aviation world it was simply referred to as "Reno" with the understanding the hardcore aviation race fans would migrate there in the fall.

As the popularity of the races grew, so did the community that surrounded the once out-of-the-way airport in Nevada. Community officials became concerned about the proximity of the races and the homes, especially in the wake of multiple deadly accidents over the years.

In 2011, Reno pilot Jimmy Leeward crashed his highly modified P-51 Galloping Ghost into the ground in front of a box seating area, killing Leeward and 10 spectators and seriously injuring 70 more. In 2023, T-6 pilots Nick Macy and Chris Rushing were killed in a midair collision when they were on approach to land at the end of their race.

In spring 2023, NCAR announced efforts to find a new location for the popular races, noting that the course had been encroached upon by housing developments. According to the NCAR, independent economic impact studies showed that the event brought in as much as $150 million annually for the local economy in Reno. The idea of letting the races simply fade away was not an option for their organizers, and many airport communities lobbied to have the event moved to their location.

“We’ve been working tirelessly for two years to bring this beloved and historic event to a new home, and now that tickets are on sale, we’re excited to share it with New Mexico,” said Tony Logoteta, chief operating officer of NCAR.

There was stiff competition among potential race venues, as the event attracts thousands of motorsport and aviation fans from all over the world who come to marvel in the technology and history, and to watch aircraft of different classes fly low and fast over the hard-packed desert.

“This is not only a new chapter for our organization but the start of a bold new era for the sport," Logoteta said. "Roswell provides us with an incredible backdrop and the opportunity to elevate the experience for fans, pilots, and the aviation community. We can’t wait for everyone to see the Roswell course, feel the energy of the competition, and be a part of history as we bring the thrill of racing to New Mexico.”

According to event organizers, there are a variety of ticket packages available, ranging from single-day to weeklong passes. Lodging ranges from hotels to RV camping in Roswell and the surrounding towns. For attendees who wish to fly their own aircraft to Roswell, spots can be reserved at Avflight, the FBO located at the airport.