Fans of high-speed airplane racing are flocking to New Mexico, where a premiere national competition is taking place for the first time in the event's 60-year history. The five-day National Championship Air Races commenced at a commercial airfield and former Air Force base near Roswell, New Mexico, a region known for its oil production and infamous as a site for alleged UFO sightings.
The races are designed to be thrilling, with competitions occurring as low as 250 feet (76 meters) above the ground and not below 50 feet (15 meters). Pilots will navigate a course marked by vintage pylons adorned with colorful barrels while piloting a variety of aircraft, including self-constructed Formula 1 prop racers, vibrant aerobatic biplanes, and high-speed jets capable of reaching over 500 miles per hour (804 kilometers per hour). Tony Logoteta, president of the Reno Air Racing Association, emphasized the unique experience of having multiple planes racing against each other simultaneously, rather than against a clock.
This year's competition marks a departure from its previous location in Nevada, primarily due to encroaching urban development that raised safety concerns. The Reno Air Racing Association took a year off to prepare for the transition to Roswell, hoping to attract fresh fans from neighboring Texas and attract between 30,000 and 40,000 unique visitors during the event. Hotel accommodations in Roswell have been fully booked, reflecting the strong interest in the races, which drew more than 1 million visitors during its final decade in Reno and generated over $750 million for the local economy.
New Mexico has invested millions in enhancing the Roswell Air Center in anticipation of the event, including the addition of grandstands that will accommodate up to 9,500 spectators. The Roswell Air Center was chosen for its vast space, suitable runways, and unobstructed views of the racecourse against the clear desert sky, making it an ideal setting as organizers look to the future.
The National Championship Air Races have experienced interruptions only due to the September 11 attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the event's relocation. While traditional races involving World War II-era fighter aircraft are popular among fans, this year those participants did not compete. Nevertheless, the new venue is rich in military aviation history, featuring three Air Force bases and various military installations in the vicinity.
Safety has become a top priority for organizers, especially in the wake of tragic incidents in previous races, including a recent fatal collision between two vintage planes. This crash raised concerns, as it brought the total number of fatalities during these races to 24, with the most devastating incident occurring in 2011 when 10 spectators lost their lives. The Roswell location offers inherent safety advantages, including a racecourse positioned far from neighborhoods and designed to keep spectators at a safe distance from hazardous turns. The races are accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration, requiring pilots to complete mandatory training and testing before participating.
Last week, investigators released findings regarding the recent crash, attributing it to two experienced pilots who veered off their expected flight paths, resulting in a collision they could not anticipate. Such occurrences have drawn attention within the aviation community, as experts expressed surprise that skilled pilots would fail to adhere to standard flight routes, highlighting the complexities and inherent risks associated with this high-speed motorsport.
