Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's National Championship Air Races expansion is free through Sim Update 7. The $39.99 USD Racer Pack 1 is a separate purchase for additional aircraft, not the cost of unlocking the racing addition. Microsoft announced both releases on October 13.

The free update adds two racing venues

Reno and Roswell host four pylon-racing categories alongside STOL drag competition. The latter uses short takeoffs, landings and a turn-around rather than a conventional circuit.

Racer Pack 1 adds forty aircraft

The paid collection supplies ten aircraft each for Unlimited, Jet, T-6 and Biplane racing. It is sold through the in-sim Marketplace, Microsoft/Xbox store and Steam.

Aircraft are also sold individually and in ten-aircraft class packs. The release post does not list those smaller purchases' prices, so compare them in your own store before buying the full collection.

Jet racing aircraft turn close to the ground in Flight Simulator 2024.
Image: Microsoft / Asobo Studio.

Start with a solo time trial

Time trials let you practice alone. You can also organize multiplayer races or join existing races. Optional realism includes engine wear linked to pilot input, so check that setting before assuming maximum throttle has no consequence.

Watch the official Racer Pack trailer for the aircraft collection, or open Flight Simulator 2024 on Steam for the PC game. Try the free racing update first; buy extra planes only if you want that collection.