National Championship Air Races

The National Championship Air Races is an annual air racing and air show event run by the Reno Air Racing Association, a non-profit group based in Reno, Nevada. The event now takes place at the Roswell Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico. The next races are planned for September 2027.

The event carries on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. It began in 1964 with an air race near Reno, Nevada. It has run for more than 60 years. Only three years have been missed. These were 2001, when all aircraft in the United States were grounded, 2020 during the pandemic, and 2024, when the event moved to its new home.

The races are held every September and include seven racing classes. These are Jet, Formula 1, Biplane, T-6, Sport, Unlimited and STOL Drag. The 2026 races ran over five days. The organisers call air racing the world's fastest motorsport.

Beyond the racing, the event has a large display of static aircraft and flight demonstrations by military and civilian pilots. Past displays have included the B-29 FIFI, the B-24 Diamond Lil, the B-52 Stratofortress, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the T-38 Talon. Visitors can also see the T-6 Texan II, which the US Air Force still uses for training. Restored warbirds are part of the show too, such as two P-51D Mustangs and a P-63 Kingcobra.

The association is run by a board of directors and a small full-time staff. More than 1,200 volunteers help each year. Their jobs range from course safety and security to air traffic control, event sequencing, and race timing and scoring. Staff plan the next event before the current one has finished.

Its mission is to put on a safe and exciting air racing and air show event. It also aims to honour the military, inspire young people and strengthen the local community and economy. It runs a hands-on STEM education area called the Discovery Zone and offers flight training scholarships. Sponsors and vendors also take part in the event.

Over the past ten years, the event drew more than 1 million spectators. It also generated more than $750 million for the Reno region's economy. It draws aviation fans, pilots and crews from around the world.

Services

• Air racing
• Air show
• Static aircraft displays
• Warbird displays
• STEM education
• Flight training scholarships
• Sponsorship
• Vendor and exhibitor space