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National Championship Air Races Close First Roswell Meet With Positive Reviews

Pilot praise for the Roswell course signals momentum with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds booked for next year.

Overview

  • The five-day meet ran Sept. 10–14 in Roswell, marking the event’s move after roughly 60 years in Reno.
  • Chief Operating Officer Tony Logoteta reported a strong turnout with enthusiastic local attendance and business support through hospitality chalets.
  • Pilots Chris LaFave and Vitaly Pecherskyy praised the course’s geometry, with several saying they prefer Roswell to Reno.
  • Saturday racing was rained out before conditions improved on Sunday, and organizers said operations smoothed after first-day hiccups.
  • Organizers cited about $10 million in city and state investment and announced the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for next year, with expectations of more classes returning.