Microsoft has announced the activity as a free addition for MSFS 2024 players. At the time of writing, a separate announcement confirming completion of today’s rollout had not been located.
For pilots ready to trade cruise control for competition, the next flight could involve considerably more throttle—and considerably less time admiring the scenery.
Five Classes Bring Different Racing Challenges
The announced lineup includes four familiar racing categories and a new short takeoff and landing event:
- Unlimited Class, featuring the P-51 Mustang
- T-6 Class, featuring the North American T-6 Texan
- Biplane Class, featuring the Aviat Pitts Special S1S
- Jet Class, featuring the Aero Vodochody L-39
- STOL Class, introducing head-to-head drag racing
The variety gives pilots several approaches to competition, from fast circuits around pylons to a contest built around short-field flying.
A smooth airline arrival is satisfying. Holding your line while another racer closes the gap offers a different sort of entertainment.
Reno and Roswell Meet in the Simulator
Microsoft says the expansion combines the classic Reno Air Races with the newer Roswell Air Races.
The development team worked with the Reno Air Racing Association, racing pilots and aircraft owners to recreate the aircraft and experience. The announced wear-and-tear system also adds another consideration to competitive flying.
The connection to the real event was visible during September’s National Championship Air Races in Roswell, New Mexico. Microsoft attended with a simulator booth where visitors could try a pre-release version using MOZA force-feedback controls and Next Level Racing cockpits.
That gave race fans a chance to move from watching the action to experiencing a virtual version themselves.
Air Racing Has Already Entered Public Testing
The activity has been part of the Sim Update 7 public beta ahead of its announced release date.
Microsoft’s September 18 beta notes introduced pylon-racing previews and described the experience as unfinished, with STOL racing to follow in a later testing update.
Those notes directed beta participants to Activities, then National Championship Air Races, from the title menu. That instruction concerns the beta preview; players should follow the final release guidance when the public update becomes available.
Testing also helps distinguish two things that can easily become confused on launch day: an activity already accessible to beta participants and an update fully available to the wider player base.
Another Way to Put Your Flying to the Test
Air racing offers a change of pace for pilots accustomed to following airline schedules or spending an evening on a long-haul route.
Readers interested in another kind of time pressure can explore Sky Blue Radio’s OnTime Turnaround preview. For more conventional airline flying, our FlightSim Studio E-Jets Version 1.0 coverage follows another recent simulator release.
The races put the emphasis on direct competition. Instead of trying to recover a delayed departure, pilots will be trying to keep the next aircraft behind them.
Watch for the Public Release Announcement
Microsoft’s official National Championship Air Races announcement lists October 13 as the release date. Its September 24 briefing confirms the activity is planned as a free update for MSFS 2024 players.
With the announced date now here, the next step is confirmation of the public rollout.
Until then, it might be time to practice those turns. The scenery can wait—the aircraft behind you probably won’t.
