Approval of the Lodgers' Tax Funding Request for the National Championship Air Races of $300,000 for sponsorship, as stated in the MOU for their 2027 event. (Gass/Conyers)

Initiated by: Tommi Jo Conyers

From their application:
The National Championship Air Races will return to Roswell, New Mexico, September 15–19, 2027, continuing the successful establishment of one of aviation’s most prestigious and distinctive events at the Roswell Air Center. Known worldwide as “The World’s Fastest Motorsport,” the National Championship Air Races combine closed-course pylon racing, military and civilian air show performances, static aircraft displays, aviation education, STEM programming, vendor areas, food concessions, premium hospitality, and family-friendly entertainment into a multi-day tourism event with significant regional impact.

The 2027 event will build on the proven success of the 2025 inaugural Roswell event and the anticipated continued growth of the 2026 event. In 2025, the National Championship Air Races welcomed an estimated 56,000 attendees over five days, generated an estimated $29.6 million in economic impact for New Mexico, and delivered more than 1.4 billion media impressions. The event also produced strong destination-marketing value, with New Mexico True integrated across marketing, advertising, on-site signage, digital content, earned media, and guest-facing event touchpoints.

The 2026 National Championship Air Races have not yet occurred, but RARA anticipates a strong turnout and exciting economic performance as the event continues to mature in Roswell. The 2027 event will represent the third year of the National Championship Air Races in Roswell, moving the event from successful relocation into long-term establishment as a signature tourism driver for the city and region.

The 2027 event is expected to feature the full complement of race classes, including Biplane, Formula 1, Sport, T-6, Jet, Unlimited, and STOL Drag, along with aviation performers, military participation, aircraft displays, vendor and exhibitor activations, youth education programming, and hospitality experiences. The event footprint at Roswell Air Center will again include spectator viewing areas, pit access, aircraft parking, race operations, vendor and exhibitor zones, STEM and education areas, sponsor activation spaces, hospitality areas, and guest-service infrastructure.

Key logistical components for 2027 are expected to include:

Refined event operations based on the 2025 inaugural Roswell event and the anticipated lessons learned from the 2026 event.

Continued use of Roswell Air Center as the host venue, with extensive space for spectators, aircraft, race teams, exhibitors, vendors, hospitality, operations, and public safety support.

A continued STEM and aviation education presence designed to introduce students and families to aviation, aerospace, engineering, drones, robotics, aircraft maintenance, and related career paths.

A strong volunteer program emphasizing local recruitment, training, and community engagement.

A national vendor and exhibitor program featuring aviation, technology, defense, lifestyle, local business, merchandise, and food-and-beverage participation.

Continued coordination with the City of Roswell, Roswell Air Center, tourism partners, lodging partners, law enforcement, fire, EMS, sanitation, transportation providers, volunteers, sponsors, and regional stakeholders.

An expanded tourism-marketing approach designed to drive overnight visitation from New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, and other key markets.

The 2027 National Championship Air Races represent more than a five-day event. They are part of a long-term tourism and economic development partnership between RARA and the City of Roswell. Each year strengthens Roswell’s national identity as the new home of championship air racing, increases visitor spending, supports lodging demand, creates opportunities for local businesses, and expands Roswell’s visibility in aviation, tourism, STEM education, and national media.

1 year of Historical Lodgers’ Tax Funding Data:
FY2026- Awarded $300,000 in sponsorship — Expended $300,000
 

The Occupancy Tax Board has recommended funding in the amount of $300,000 for sponsorship per the MOU.

26224081-672828- $300,000

The Occupancy Tax Board voted 3-0 to recommend funding the National Championship Air Races at its July 21, 2026, meeting. The Finance Committee recommended approval 4-0 at its meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Proceed as presented.