60 Pilots Certified Across Six Classes At the New Race Site

The National Championship Air Races (NCAR) has wrapped up its first-ever Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) at its new home in Roswell, New Mexico. In the four-day training, 60 pilots were certified across six pylon racing classes ahead of the September 2025 races.

The offered race training, practice runs, and final certification for both returning pilots and first-timers looking to qualify for the high-speed competition.

“For our inaugural Pylon Racing Seminar in Roswell, we were thrilled to certify 60 pilots across our six closed-course pylon race classes,” stated Tony Logoteta, president and COO for NCAR. “Not only did this year’s PRS provide pilots a firsthand look at our new racecourse, but it saw the return of the Biplane class with 17 certified pilots. We are thrilled by the outcome of PRS and look forward to welcoming all our racers to the first event in September.”

The event, held annually since 1999, is mandatory for pilots who are either new to NCAR or haven't competed in the last three years. Of the 73 pilots and 59 aircraft that showed up in Roswell, 60 walked away certified, and another 12 are expected to complete the process just before the races. Thirteen pilots were first-time attendees, many of whom were cleared for September’s main event.

The Biplane class saw a strong comeback this year with 17 certified pilots. Sport also certified 17, followed by Formula 1 with 11, Jet with 8, T-6 with 7, and just one Unlimited pilot. STOL Drag remains on a separate certification track due to its unique course and format. For those certified in 2023, recertification on the new course will be available in a special session prior to race week.

The move from Reno to Roswell marks a major transition for NCAR, and PRS served as a key trial of the new site’s course and facilities. Organizers called the seminar a success and are now turning attention to the main event, scheduled for September 10–14. Full pilot rosters are expected by late July.

FMI: https://airrace.org