The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced partial ticket refunds and discounts following the withdrawal of two of the seven divisions scheduled to compete in this year’s National Championship Air Races in Roswell, New Mexico. The Sport and Unlimited classes announced their withdrawals earlier this summer.
Both are longtime fixtures of the competition and cited logistical and operational concerns for their decision to step away this year, according to KRQE News. Officials said both groups expect to return in 2026.
In a bid to offset the impact, RARA confirmed that all ticket holders are eligible for a 10 percent refund, while new ticket purchases will be discounted by the same margin. Fans also have the option to request a full refund or defer tickets to 2026, with detailed instructions to be sent by email.
“From Reno to Roswell, this event has always belonged to the fans, pilots, and volunteers who make it possible,” said Fred Telling, RARA chairman and CEO, in a statement shared by the association. “The withdrawal of these two classes is disappointing, but it is not the end of air racing.”
The five-day event will still showcase five race classes, along with military and civilian static displays, world-class airshow acts, and a STEM Discovery Zone. RARA President and COO Tony Logoteta said in the association’s release that the move to Roswell is “no small undertaking,” but that the organization is committed to carrying on the legacy of the National Championship Air Races. The inaugural Roswell edition is set for Sept. 10–14.
Oh RARA. Your “support” for fans and their wallets hasn’t changed. It’s all about the money, money, money…
Why did they pull out?
There is always more to the story.
Bobbi Thompson is on the Board of Directors of RARA. She became the airport Manager of “KROW” Roswell, NM. This occurred after her contract as “KMEV” Minden Tahoe Airport Manager was not renewed with Douglas County, NV after 12 years. The local residents and tenants of Minden Tahoe Airport petitioned Douglas County not to renew the Airport Management Contract with “ABS” which Bobbie Thompson also served on as one of the Board of Directors.
So there is a pattern here which is not a good look. Promises are made and not kept. As long as the money flows so do the promises flow with it. But promises are not performance. Performance over time is our only true measure of a promise/contract. Minden Tahoe Airport had enough of that.
Minden, Tahoe Airport is 40miles south of Reno Stead Airport, sadly the previous home of the Reno Air Races.
AirNav
KROW - Roswell Air Center Airport
Manager: BOBBI THOMPSON
1 JERRY SMITH CIR
ROSWELL, NM 88203-8427
Phone 239-980-5114
RARA is still the Acronym by a circumstance of fate, or is it by design?
Why Roswell, NM? There were other choices which were better.
One very good choice was Wendover, UT with 2 runways, no obstructions. Right on Interstate 80 on UT/NV state line with Casinos, hotel rooms and restaurants.
Also the community caters to Bonneville Salt Flats and SpeedWeek.
There is so much synergy with the History of Wendover Air Base and the
SpeedWeek event that it is mind boggling WARA was not the new Acronym.
But maybe Wendover Airport “KENV” would not fall for the Airport Mgr Scandal? These are just the ramblings and thoughts of a pilot once under a dark cloud of a previous Airport Mgr scandal with, same names and same games who spoke out for change and got it.
RARA needs to wake up. The Air Races have a shelf life. These smart people are not going to be used for others selfish reasons. It is about history and the pinnacle of propeller driven performance period. The air races have to make money to continue and should. But new people and new ideas need to be given their day on the ramp! I am for WARA with new names and new faces to go with it.