AIR RACING 101
Racing begins
September 10th-14th, 2025
Roswell New Mexico | Roswell Air Center
The field of the National Championship Air Races is made up of seven thrilling airplane classes. Six of the classes race on a somewhat circular pylon course. “Each heat consists of up to eight planes in competition, flying between 50 and 250 feet in the air, with aircraft reaching speeds up to 500+ mph in flight. The seventh class – STOL Drag – competes in two-plane drag races up and down the ramp.
PYLON RACING
The aircraft that fly laps are doing so around a course marked by 50ft high poles – or pylons – that designate where planes turn. Aircraft must stay outside the pylon as they make their turns, and judges are positioned at each pylon location to ensure fair racing.
RACE COURSE LINE
Race Course Lines are in place to ensure that aircraft remain inside the designed FAA race air space at all times. Any aircraft who crosses one of the lines will be disqualified.
STARTING
There are two types of starts – Air Starts and Racehorse Starts. Unlimited, Jet, Sport, and T-6 classes start in the air, while the Formula One and Biplane classes use the Racehorse start.
When getting ready to start the race, the racers join in a starting formation. The race officially begins when the Pace Plane Pilot or the Pole Position Pilot announces a “Race Start” as they approach the entry point to the race course. Any aircraft that enters at a different point is disqualified. All aircraft must pass over the timing line.
FLAGS
Flags are a very important part of racing as they give racers key information about what is going on during the race. For instance, a Red Flag signals the cancellation of the race, and the White Flag indicates the final lap. All Racers must know what each flag means and watch to see which color is flying over the pylon as they race past.