The News, Explained
Microsoft added the National Championship Air Races to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 as a free expansion in Sim Update 7 on October 13, 2026. The update recreates the Reno and Roswell venues used for real-world air racing. It runs inside the base game, so people who own or can access Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can use the racing venues and event structure without buying the separate aircraft pack. Source
The free expansion includes four pylon-racing categories on closed circuits marked by pylons, plus a STOL drag event. The pylon categories are Unlimited, Jet, T-6 and Biplane. STOL means short takeoff and landing. In the drag event, two pilots race on a 2,000-foot course and must take off, land, turn around, take off again and land within the marked area. Source
Players can race alone in Time Trials, organize their own multiplayer races or join established multiplayer events. An optional simulated wear-and-tear setting lets engines degrade in response to pilot input. Holding maximum throttle can cause damage, making engine management part of the race rather than speed being the only factor. Source
Racer Pack 1 is a separate $39.99 purchase. It contains 40 famous racing aircraft, ten each for the Unlimited, Jet, T-6 and Biplane categories. Examples in the announcement include the 11-time champion P-51D “Strega,” the piston-aircraft speed-record holder “Voodoo,” and L-39 jet racers. Microsoft also says the aircraft can be bought individually or in class packs of ten, but it does not state prices for those smaller options. Source
The free portion is the racing venues and competition structure; the 40-aircraft collection is paid. The $39.99 pack is therefore not required simply to try the new races. Players who specifically want to fly the named real-world racers would need to consider Racer Pack 1 or the separately sold aircraft and class packs. Source
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2 and Steam. Supported phones, tablets and lower-spec PCs can access it through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The paid pack is sold through the in-game Marketplace, the Microsoft and Xbox stores, and Steam. Regional pricing and store availability should be checked on the actual purchase screen. Source
OYOPICK’s Take
The useful part of this release is the split between a free racing experience and an optional aircraft collection. When the venues and competition formats are included while the 40-plane pack remains separate, players can test whether air racing suits them before paying for a larger collection.
“Free expansion” can still sound like a standalone product. It actually depends on access to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. A single comparison screen covering base-game ownership, Game Pass inclusion, cloud regions and local pack pricing would make the real cost easier to judge across platforms.
Digitally recreating real courses and aircraft can give more people a path into aviation culture. For that possibility to last, progress in authenticity should be matched by beginner assists, clear multiplayer rules and accessibility settings. The next measure of success should be whether people with different skill levels and physical needs can learn the races safely, not only how many fast aircraft are offered.