Roswell Air Center, just outside Roswell, New Mexico, is the new permanent home for the National Championship Air Races. After nearly six decades in Reno, the races have found a new home on this sprawling airfield. Expect wide open spaces, long runways, and the generally flat terrain that's perfect for setting up pylon courses. You'll see everything from Formula One Air and Biplane classes to the roaring Jet Class, plus STOL Drag and plenty of spectator events. Relocating to Roswell means a different kind of experience compared to Reno. While the core event remains the same, the high desert environment of southeastern New Mexico offers its own challenges and rewards. The altitude plays a factor for the pilots, and spectators should prepare for a dry climate and intense sunshine. This is a great venue for serious air racing fans who want to see these amazing aircraft up close. Visit airrace.org for the official event schedule and details.
Watch: Roswell Air Center
Know Before You Go
- Active runway
- Airfield-based racing happens on closed runways during pre-scheduled windows. The field returns to flight operations the rest of the week — confirm event dates first.
- Event format
- Common formats: half-mile / mile / standing-mile speed runs, autocross courses laid out with cones on the apron, and track-style events on the perimeter taxiway.
- Spectator vantage
- Wide flat runways mean great viewing from a parked-car berm or a designated spectator area. Bring binoculars and earplugs for the loud runs.