The Reno Air Racing Association, Roswell, New Mexico, wrapped up their second National Championship Air Races in Roswell on September 20 after five days of championship racing and aviation entertainment, including the first appearance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at the event since their move from Reno. Held September 16-20 at Roswell Air Center, the 2026 event brought pilots, race teams and aviation enthusiasts to southeast New Mexico for five days of competition. All seven racing classes were represented for the first time since 2022, with longtime air racing veterans competing alongside newer racers and several first-time champions earning victories.
“This year demonstrated exactly what makes the National Championship Air Races so special,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, which produces NCAR. “We saw incredible racing, welcomed some of the best pilots and performers in aviation and watched both longtime competitors and a new generation of racers succeed.” The return of all seven classes was part of a week that organizers described as clean, safe and competitive. The racing was complemented by an expanded airshow program, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds providing one of the event’s major attractions.
The Thunderbirds’ appearance marked the demonstration team’s first performance at the National Championship Air Races since the event relocated to New Mexico. The airshow lineup also included Philipp Steinbach and Jim Peitz, along with military demonstrations, civilian aerobatics and aircraft displays. Static displays gave visitors another way to explore the aviation history surrounding the races. Among the aircraft on display were the B-24 Diamond Lil, T-6 Texan II, B-52 Stratofortress and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The event also produced a personal milestone for one local couple. During Sunday’s opening ceremony, a Roswell native and her boyfriend became engaged. The couple had previously lived in Reno and attended the National Championship Air Races there, carrying their connection to the event from its former home to its new location. The races also continue to contribute to the local economy. Independent economic impact studies have found that the event can generate as much as $100 million annually for its host community, supporting hotels, restaurants, small businesses and regional attractions. A new study examining the economic impact of the 2026 event is now underway, with updated findings expected soon.
The second year in Roswell also continued the partnership between the Reno Air Racing Association, the City of Roswell, Roswell Air Center, local businesses, volunteers and community organizations involved in establishing the New Mexico venue as the new home of championship air racing. “This year demonstrated exactly what makes the National Championship Air Races so special,” Telling said. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year possible.” For more information and to support the National Championship Air Races, click on this link: airrace.org.
(Image credit: Joanne Murray)
