The opening day of the first-ever National Championship Air Races in Roswell took off on Wednesday 10th September with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the first qualifying laps for five classes of aircraft, including STOL Drag, Biplane, Formula 1, T-6 and Jet.

The morning began with a ribbon cutting at the entrance of the event where a newly unveiled Roswell-branded home pylon replica now stands as a symbol of the races’ arrival in the city. In attendance were Mayor Tim Jennings, NCAR CEO Fred Telling, local and state officials and representatives from the National Championship Air Races.

Students from New Mexico elementary schools were among the first attendees as the event opened. School buses brought them to the Roswell Air Center where they explored the STEM Discovery Zone and enjoyed the chance to see the first heats of racing up close. The pit area also gave students a unique look at the aircraft and crews preparing for competition.

Racing continues Thursday with another full day of action. All five classes will compete for placement starting with STOL Drag at 8:30 a.m. A welcoming ceremony will take place just before noon, followed by additional qualifying heats and air show performances. In commemoration of the anniversary of September 11, a military flyover is scheduled for 2:45 p.m.