NM Governor Bill
Richardson has announced that the Rocket Racing League, an aerospace entertainment
organization that is developing the nascent market for low-altitude
rocket-powered aircraft racing, will bring its world
headquarters here to New Mexico, creating as many as 200 new, good
paying jobs to Southern New Mexico.
"As the future home of Rocket Racing League we look forward to
welcoming the hundreds of thousands of people who will come to New
Mexico to enjoy NASCAR in the sky," stated Governor Bill Richardson
(pictured below, right).
"The Spaceport - perhaps more than any other project- represents
the future of economic development. It serves as a symbol of our
aggressive efforts, a calling for future leaders in science and
technology, and as an inspiration for the American entrepreneurial
spirit."
RRL will base its headquarters and technology development
operations in Las Cruces and will also look to have facilities at
the Southwest Regional Spaceport.
"The Rocket Racing
League is proud to call New Mexico its home," said Granger
Whitelaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Rocket Racing League.
"This partnership will not only serve as a launch pad for
economic growth, but for a future where children are drawn to
science by the roar of rocket planes. Thank you Governor
Richardson, Mayor Mattiace and the good people of New Mexico for
your warm welcome."
Races will be held throughout the year all across the country,
including the semi-finals at the Reno Air Show in Nevada and the
finals, which will be held in New Mexico, starting next year, in
conjunction with the X PRIZE CUP competition in October.
"This announcement means new good jobs for Southern New Mexico,"
stated Las Cruces Mayor Bill Mattiace. "We are very proud that the
City of Las Cruces played a crucial role in attracting Rocket
Racing League. It proves that our local incentives combined with
the state incentives are creating the right business atmosphere for
companies."
The City of Las Cruces
will be donating 10 acres of land for the 50,000 square foot
headquarters building, plus they will be reserving 10 hanger sites
at the airport for the Rocket Racing Teams.
The rockets will race within a three-dimensional track that is
one-mile high, two miles long, and a half-mile across. The rocket
planes, called X-Racers, will reach speeds of up to 300 mph and
will have 30-foot, bright orange flames coming from the back
end.
The League will generate revenues through sponsorships,
merchandising, broadcast rights, video games, ticket sales, and
tours.
Based on a recent report done by Futron Corporation, an
independent aerospace and technology consulting group, it is
estimated that the cumulative Rocket Racing League spending in the
State of New Mexico could range from $15 to $30 million during the
2006-2010 timeframe.
Total in-state expenditures by Rocket Racing League could range
from $9 to $18 million over this same timeframe which will cover
personnel, facilities leases, services, and local purchases of
hardware and software.
"RRL truly embraces the sprit of this new spaceflight industry,"
stated NMEDD Secretary Rick Homans. "They are a company that
understands where the future could take us and where it is headed.
This partnership confirms that our strategy to make New Mexico
competitive by marketing our workforce, incentives, and quality of
life, is working."
"The cooperation between the state and local governments was
essential to this deal," stated Jim Colson, President & CEO of
the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership.
"Rocket Racing League is (a) great addition to the new industry
we are building here in New Mexico."
The Rocket Racing League is an aerospace entertainment
organization which combines the competition of racing with the
excitement of rocketry. The RRL is dedicated to providing safe and
thrilling experiences for families through live events, television
broadcasts and interactive technologies. Co-founded by Dr. Peter H.
Diamandis, founder of the X PRIZE, and Mr. Granger Whitelaw,
two-time Indianapolis 500 champion team partner, the league's
mission is to serve as a technology accelerator in the areas of
airframe, propulsion and spacecraft design, and reach for the
future to inspire the next generation of spaceflight
enthusiasts.