The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), producers of the National Championship Air Races (NCAR), has announced the 2026 lineup of pilots and planes that will take flight for the second annual National Championship Air Races at Roswell Air Center (ROW), New Mexico.
This year’s events running Sept. 16-20 will feature the full slate of races classes, including the return of the Sport and Unlimited classes. Nearly 90 elite pilots from across the United States and around the globe, from Australia and Switzerland to Wyoming and California, will converge in Roswell to compete in one of aviation’s most thrilling spectacles.
To see the full list of racers and planes from each class or to purchase tickets, visit www.airrace.org.
“We’re ecstatic to announce our September Family is whole once again at the National Championship Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO of RARA. “Following extensive, collaborative discussions across all classes, our vision of a wide-open, full house has come to fruition. This September, both first-time attendees and lifelong fans will experience the power of the complete racing roster roaring through Roswell.”
The 2026 lineup includes returning 2025 champions Josh Watson (Formula One), Tom Marden (Biplane), Chris LeFave (T-6), Bob McCormack (Jet) and Eddie Sanches (STOL – 2nd place). The return of the Unlimited and Sport classes will see competitors Steven Hinton, Vicky Benzing, Brent Hisey, Dennis Sanders, Tom McNerney, Conrad Huffstutler and more joining the action.
As if the return of all seven race classes wasn’t thrilling enough, this year’s races will also feature the Jet class “Mach Course” – a nod to the speed, sound and spectacle of jet racing. While the 600-mph limit remains technically below the speed of sound, the new course represents a major step forward in competitive air racing performance, giving fans a longer, faster and more dynamic jet course under FAA-approved procedures and class qualification requirements.
“Last year was a successful first year in our new home, but having the entire family back together this year is going to be fantastic. From the start, we knew ROW would expand what was possible for the National Championship Air Races. This year, that includes the debut of a new course and new aircraft, a pair of MiG-17s to be a specific,” said Tony Logoteta, president and COO of RARA. “This represents a major milestone as a course of this size and speed simply wasn’t possible before. Roswell provides the space and operating environment needed to advance the sport safely and responsibly, and we’re grateful to the Jet Class, the FAA, Roswell Air Center, and everyone whose collaboration made this addition possible.”
Tickets are still available for this year’s races. From single-day to weeklong passes and hospitality packages, there are plenty of options for families, fans and road trippers alike to be a part of the air races this year. While rooms in Roswell are limited, hotel and short-term rental options are also available in surrounding towns such as Artesia, Ruidoso, Alamogordo and Portales. Attendees looking for on-site options are highly encouraged to take advantage of the event’s increased RV camping availability, providing the easiest way to travel to ROW and attend the air races while enjoying plenty of space. All lodging options can be viewed by visiting the ‘Plan Your Trip’ page on the National Championship Air Races’ site. Furthermore, those who wish to personally fly to Roswell can reserve aircraft parking spots at Roswell Air Center’s FBO, Avflight, website here.
The 2026 event is set to return with all seven classes of racing, performances by the USAF Thunderbirds, several ‘hands-on’ displays and experiences including the STEM Education Discovery Zone, military and civilian demonstrations, incredible static displays and more.
