The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), Reno, Nevada, has announced the pilot and aircraft lineup for the 2026 National Championship Air Races, with all seven racing classes set to compete at Roswell Air Center in New Mexico for the first time since the event relocated from Reno. The 2026 races will see the return of the Unlimited and Sport classes, bringing all seven racing categories back to the National Championship Air Races in Roswell after they were absent from last year’s inaugural event at the venue. Organizers also announced a new, longer race course for the Jet class, known as the “Mach Course,” which is designed to provide faster, more dynamic competition while operating under FAA-approved procedures and class qualification requirements.
(Image credit: Joanne Murray)
“We’re ecstatic to announce our September family is whole once again at the National Championship Air Races,” said RARA CEO Fred Telling. “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.” Nearly 90 pilots from the United States and several other countries are expected to compete across the event’s seven racing classes. Returning class champions include Josh Watson (Formula One), Tom Marden (Biplane), Chris LeFave (T-6), Bob McCormack (Jet), and Eddie Sanches, last year’s STOL runner-up. The Unlimited and Sport classes will feature competitors including Steven Hinton, Vicky Benzing, Brent Hisey, Dennis Sanders, Tom McNerney, and Conrad Huffstutler.
The Jet class’s new Mach Course represents one of the event’s most significant additions for 2026. While aircraft will remain below the 600-mph speed limit, the redesigned course provides a larger racing environment than was previously possible and will make its debut in Roswell. “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,” said RARA President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Logoteta. “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 specific.”
In addition to the racing, the event will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, military and civilian flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, the STEM Education Discovery Zone, and other family-oriented attractions. For tickets, camping information, lodging resources, aircraft parking reservations, and to support the National Championship Air Races, click on this link: www.airrace.org.
(Image credit: RARA)
