The National Air Race Championship kicked off today in Roswell, New Mexico, delivering high‑speed aerial contests and a weekend of aviation‑focused activities for local families and visitors. Gates opened at 7:30 a.m., and the sky quickly filled with the roar of engines as pilots tackled the challenging course.
Thrilling races and fan interaction
Spectators were treated to a variety of events, but the standout was the short‑take‑off (STOL) drag race, where two aircraft line up side‑by‑side, sprint to the far end of the course, stop, turn and repeat. “It’s one of the most fun events to watch—seeing two guys go head‑to‑head on a drag race is just so cool,” said Steven Hendricks, who traveled from San Antonio for the competition.
Fans could also walk among the aircraft on the ground, meet pilots, and explore aviation exhibits. First‑time attendee Linnet Hinkle laughed at the creative plane names, noting, “I really like it. I am deeply entertained by all of the names of the planes. I saw one named Gremlin Special and I started cackling.”
Rookie pilot takes to the sky
Suzanne Richmond, a California native who grew up attending air races with her father, stepped into the cockpit for her rookie season. “The next step in progression is going from a spectator to a team member to an actual race pilot. So this is my first rookie year,” she said. Richmond is flying a plane she named Gremlin Special, a nod to the aircraft’s playful moniker. “I thought that was just super clever. And not that she’s full of gremlins. She behaves very well,” she added.
Richmond’s boyfriend, Michael, is also competing, marking his fourth year in the series. The couple, who met through aviation, said the shared experience has deepened their connection. “It’s exhilarating. We love what we do and we’re super supportive of each other. It’s nerve‑wracking when your partner is up there racing around the pylons, but we understand what each other is looking at,” Michael explained. Richmond agreed, noting that discussing the race’s technical details, such as the turn‑around at pylon three, has become a new way for them to bond.
More days of high‑flyers ahead
The championship will run for a total of five days, with daily gates opening at 7:30 a.m. In addition to the competitive races, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform from Friday through Sunday, offering a spectacular aerial display for the crowd.
Organizers encourage fans to purchase tickets early, as the event draws aviation enthusiasts from across the Southwest. For more information and ticket sales, visit the official air race website.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
