The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), organizers of the National Championship Air Races (NCAR), announced today that the Unlimited Class will not be participating in the 2025 races, scheduled for September 10–14 in Roswell, New Mexico.
“The Unlimited Class has long been one of the most iconic and celebrated divisions in air racing, so their absence this year is certainly disappointing,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of RARA. “While they won’t join us for our inaugural year in Roswell, we are committed to working closely with the class following this event to ensure their accreditation and return for NCAR 2026. This decision carries particular weight, as the Unlimited Class’s comeback in 1964 helped launch nearly six decades of Reno Air Races history, expanding from three original classes to the seven we feature today.”
Steven Hinton Jr., spokesperson for the Unlimited Class, emphasized the significance of the decision: “The choice not to participate in the 2025 National Championship Air Races was not made lightly. The Unlimiteds are deeply ingrained in the fabric of air racing, and though we won’t be flying in Roswell this year, we are eager to collaborate with RARA and look forward to returning in 2026.”
While the Unlimited Class will not debut in Roswell until next year, both RARA and class representatives are already working together to evaluate their specialized requirements and ensure the highest standards of safety, performance, and sustainability for their 2026 participation. Despite the absence of the Unlimited Class in 2025, the National Championship Air Races promise to deliver one of New Mexico’s most dynamic and thrilling events of the year. Fans can look forward to world-class air racing, exhilarating military, civilian, and Warbird airshow performances, a vibrant vendor and exhibitor midway with top-tier food options, and an impressive lineup of static aircraft displays. NCAR will also feature the expansive STEM Discovery Zone powered by GRADD (Global Robot and Drone Deployment) and sponsored by the Leprino Company Foundation, offering thousands of local students free hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences alongside a full day of aviation excitement. For updates on performers, racing classes, and event news, visit www.airrace.org, sign up for the NCAR newsletter, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
About the National Championship Air Races
The National Championship Air Races, produced annually each September by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the premier air racing event in the world. Established in Northern Nevada, the races became a legendary aviation tradition before relocating to Roswell, New Mexico. The event attracts aviation enthusiasts from across the globe to witness seven classes of racing, extensive static aircraft displays, and world-class military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent studies estimate the races contribute up to $100 million annually to the local economy. For more information, visit www.AirRace.org.
