Promoters, pilots press Warren County to approve Air Race X; board has resolution on contract list

Ted Morris, chief operating officer of Air Race X, urged Warren County supervisors to approve a contract to host an Air Race X event at Warren County Memorial Airport, saying the promoter "carries all the liability" and that "there has never been a recorded incident" in the successor series to Red Bull air racing. Morris told the board the promoter would guarantee returning county funds if the event were canceled or failed to attract attendees.

Supporters including local pilots and aviation‑industry volunteers told the board the event could drive tourism, hotel stays and restaurant business, particularly in the shoulder season. Mark Saint Pierre and Chris Hatton described the attraction as a "thrilling" motorsport that could bring national attention and visitor traffic from Albany and beyond. At the same time, several speakers advised the board to vet logistics carefully and consider a provisional approval while outstanding operational questions are resolved.

Supervisor Casado reported that the occupancy tax committee included a resolution (3‑44) to enter an agreement with ARS US LLC in the amount of $394,500 to host an air race at Warren County Memorial Airport, scheduled as a signature event Sept. 3–5, 2027. The resolution appeared on the committee’s report to the board; the transcript does not record a final vote on that specific resolution during the meeting.

The board heard both promotional and cautionary remarks; committee action placed the contract on the resolutions list, and any final authorization will require the board to vote on the resolution at a later point.