National championship air races begin in Roswell with thrilling competitions
The first day of the national championship air races in Roswell featured high-speed aerial contests and engaging aviation experiences for fans.
ROSWELL, N.M. —
The national championship air races launched in Roswell, offering fans exciting aerial competitions and opportunities to explore aviation exhibits on the ground.
The sound of speed filled the air as pilots took to the course for the first day of competition. Linnet Hinkle, attending the air races for the first time, shared her enthusiasm.
“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,” Hinkle said.
On the ground, fans could walk among the aircraft, meet pilots, and get a closer look at aviation before turning their attention back to the track. One of the standout events was the STOL drag races, where competitors took off side by side, raced to the other end, stopped, and turned around to repeat the process.
Steven Hendricks, who traveled from San Antonio, said the drag races were a highlight.
“I think that’s one of the most fun events to watch. It is just so cool watching, you know, two guys go head-to-head on a drag race,” Hendricks said.
Suzanne Richmond, who traveled from California, grew up attending air races with her father. After years of spectating and working as part of a race crew, she is now stepping into the cockpit for her first year as a rookie race pilot.
“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,” Richmond said.
Richmond is flying a plane named Gremlin Special, which she finds fitting.
“I thought that was just super clever. And not that she’s full of gremlins. She behaves very well,” Richmond said.
Richmond isn’t racing alone. Her boyfriend, Michael, is also competing in his fourth year of racing. The couple, who met through aviation, have been together for five years.
“It’s exhilarating. You know, we love what we do and we’re super supportive of each other. And yeah, it’s nerve-wracking when your partner is up there racing around the pylons, but you have an understanding of what they’re looking at,” Michael said.
Richmond added that sharing the experience has deepened their connection.
“There’s just so much more understanding now that I’m doing it as well. We can talk about, you know, the turnout of pylon three or whatnot. And it makes it much more fun,” Richmond said.
The races continue for four more days, with gates opening at 7:30 a.m. each day. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform Friday through Sunday.
Purchase tickets here:
