The National Championship Air Races Soar in Roswell, NM

Courtesy of Reno Air Racing Association

Every September since 1964, the skies have come to life as the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) holds its world-class air racing and air show event. After decades in Reno, Nevada, the event made its new home in Roswell, New Mexico, in 2025. The event drew more than 56,000 people – a 17% surge in the town’s total population – to the Roswell Air Center over five days in September. 

A nonprofit organization, NCAR’s mission is to produce an event that celebrates the world’s fastest motorsport while honoring the military, inspiring youth to pursue careers in aviation, and investing in the local community. With a 60-year track record of success, the event is looking to further support the Roswell community by increasing sponsorships from those who are equally passionate about Roswell and New Mexico. 

“The event becomes ingrained in the culture of the community where it’s located. It brings a lot of exposure, notoriety and people into an area,” says Tony Logoteta, president and COO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA). “We’re in a new place and it has been wonderful. The National Championship Air Races are a huge undertaking unlike any other aviation event in the world.”

Photo by Joanne Murray

Economic Impact

An institution for aviation enthusiasts from around the globe, NCAR has drawn more than 1 million spectators over the past decade and historically generated more than $750 million for Reno’s economy. In its inaugural year in Roswell, the 2025 event produced a documented $29.6 million in economic output for southeast New Mexico, including:

• $17 million in direct spending on lodging, dining, retail, entertainment and fuel
• $6.6 million in indirect impact through supply chain and business-to-business activity
• $6 million in induced spending generated from household wage circulation

Beyond economic impact, the event generated extraordinary visibility, with more than 1.4 billion media impressions, over 6 million digital ad impressions and 92% brand visibility across on-site activations. Tens of thousands of in-person spectators, extensive digital engagement and strong broadcast reach magnify the value for sponsors and the region.

Tourism lift was substantial, supported by a diverse visitor base: 45.75% traveled from outside New Mexico, with strong turnout from Texas, California and international visitors. NCAR also generates notable community goodwill, serving as a unifying civic celebration that elevates regional identity while strengthening public pride. 

Courtesy of Reno Air Racing Association

Educational Opportunities

Thanks to strong sponsor support, NCAR invests deeply in aviation and STEM education. The organization recently established a scholarship program with Eastern New Mexico University and hosts a dynamic STEM education zone for area elementary students. 

“Our scholarship and STEM programs are the core elements of how the National Championship Air Races connect with the community at the family level,” says Greg Gibson, RARA marketing and scholarship director. “They allow us to use the entertainment of our event to engage young people, awaken their interests, then invest in their success as the next generation of aviators, engineers and innovators.” 

These programs create a lasting education and workforce development impact, helping young people envision careers in aviation and building long-term talent pipelines for the region. 

Sponsorship

None of NCAR’s community-focused initiatives would be possible without sponsor participation. Local sponsors, like Leprino Foods, saw immediate community engagement and brand visibility across tens of thousands of attendees. Additional partners experienced strong connections to visitors, families and aviation enthusiasts, reinforcing the value of supporting a beloved regional tradition. 

“These are the things that help us to complete the goals of our mission,” says Logoteta. “Without those sponsors, it would be far more difficult.” 

With a new home, renewed energy and a growing community of supporters, NCAR is poised to deliver more value than ever – to sponsors, to Roswell and to the future of aviation. 

For more information about the Reno Air Racing Association, visit airrace.org.