ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – There was excitement in the city of Roswell on Wednesday, as pilots tested out the skies for the city’s first year hosting the National Championship Air Races. Roughly ten different aircraft tested out the new course, gearing up for September’s big event. While Reno, Nevada hosted the event for 60 years, organizers said the move comes with advantages, like being able to fly and park at the airfield which was something they weren’t able to do before.
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It’s expected to bring thousands of visitors to Roswell. “It’s going to be an avenue for us to have really strong tourism a big pull,” said Roswell Mayor Tim Jennings.
The city is getting ready by preparing places for people to stay and building new bleachers for people to enjoy the show up close. The city is also waiting on the results of Wednesday’s tests to install the racing pylons for the permanent course. “Get up to 500 mph there racing wingtip to wingtip. 50 feet off the ground and they will be passing home pylon in top speed. It’s going to be really really exciting,” said Greg Gibson, marketing director.
They hope all eyes will be on the skies, come September. “Great excitement for the crowd. I hope it’s a great draw for Roswell.”
Pilots from all over will make their way to Roswell for the championship races on September 10-14. Tickets for the show will be announced soon.