The first-ever National Championship Air Races (NCAR) in Roswell roared to life on Wednesday, kicking off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the first qualifying heats across five race classes: STOL Drag, Biplane, Formula 1, T-6, and Jet. The opening ceremony featured the unveiling of a new Roswell-branded home pylon replica at the event entrance. Mayor Tim Jennings, NCAR CEO Fred Telling, and numerous state and local officials joined NCAR representatives to commemorate the start of a new era for the storied air racing tradition.
Students from elementary schools across New Mexico were among the first spectators to experience the event, arriving by school bus for a special field trip. The young visitors explored the STEM Discovery Zone, watched the initial heats of the day, and got an up-close look at the aircraft in the event’s pit area—offering a unique hands-on learning experience.
Thursday promises another full day of competition, beginning with STOL Drag at 8:30 a.m. A welcoming ceremony will take place shortly before noon, followed by additional qualifying rounds and air show performances. In observance of September 11, a military flyover is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. A full schedule of events and daily results are available at www.airrace.org.
Attendees should note an update to NCAR’s water policy: each guest may now bring two sealed water bottles per day. Complimentary water is also available at the Eastern New Mexico University Medical Tent, located three rows behind the grandstands. The National Championship Air Races—recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of air racing—run September 10–14, 2025, at the Roswell Air Center. Tickets and additional event information can be found at www.airrace.org.
