From September 16–20, 2026, the skies above the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico will thunder alive for the historic National Championship Air Races. While every racing division brings its own flavor of high-octane drama, few pairings highlight the breathtaking diversity of aviation quite like the T-6 Class and the STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) Class. One represents the absolute pinnacle of close-quarters, historic strategic pylon racing, while the other showcases the jaw-dropping, gravity-defying boundaries of modern bush-plane performance. We are thrilled to officially unveil the competitor rosters for both of these incredible divisions. Here’s your official look at the pilots and machines ready to push it to the limit this September.
The T-6 Class: Historic Steel, Equal Power, Extreme Strategy
The T-6 Racing Class features historic World War II-era North American T-6 Texan, SNJ and Harvard trainers. Because the planes possess matched performance capabilities, winning doesn’t come down to mechanical modifications, it comes down to pure tactical skill, precise line selection, and nerves of steel. Racing at speeds exceeding 225 MPH, these heavy, roaring radial warbirds fly separated by mere feet.
2026 Official T-6 Class Lineup:
- Ben York III – Mesa, AZ | Dulcinea (SNJ-5, #21) – Pace Plane
- Lee Oman – Sequim, WA | Miss TNT (AT-6C, #27)
- Vitaly Pecherskyy– Kyiv, Ukraine | Abracadabra (AT-6C, #50)
- Vic McMann – Blaine, WA | Gunslinger (AT-6A, #66)
- Virgil Tatman– Casper, WY | Wyoming Wildcatter (SNJ-5, #77)
- Greg Mcneely – Port Orange, FL | Undecided (T6-G, #90)
The STOL Drag Class: Defying Gravity right at the Grandstands
On the opposite end of the spectrum is STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing). Instead of racing around an elevated pylon course 50-250 feet in the air, these specialized planes battle it out low and fast at ground level right in front of the crowd. The objective is deceptively simple but incredibly demanding: take off in the shortest distance possible, fly about 2,000 feet, and land with the absolute minimum ground roll. Watching these heavily modified aircraft leap into the air in under 30 feet and stop on a dime is a masterclass in aerodynamics and low-speed control. It’s rugged and wildly unpredictable.
2026 Official STOL Class Lineup:
- Rod Hewitt – Auburn, CA | Angry Kitten (S7, #11)
- David Kerley – Spicewood, TX | GrassHopper (Highlander, #11)
- Harry Beaupre – Fallon, NV | Spirit of Louis (Kitfox IV-1200, #27)
- Eddie Sanches – Willis, TX | Devil Girl II (Highlander, #48)
- Tony Sanches – Montgomery, TX | God Bless John Wayne (Just Aircraft, #75)
- Brian Moore – Lancaster, CA | Honey Badger (RANS S7, #78)
- Doug Tolbert – Idaho Falls, ID | Red Fox (Model 4 Classic, #96)
- John McCardle – Omaha, NE | Bird Dawg (BearHawk 5, #10)
- Ronnie Saner – Hayden, ID | Geraldine (Badlands Traveler, #14)
Witness the Ultimate Aviation Spectacle, Get Your Tickets Now!
Whether you live for the strategic, radial-engine roar of the heavy T-6 Class or the astonishing, physics-defying agility of STOL planes, the 2026 National Championship Air Races promises an experience you will never forget. Alongside seven competitive classes, attendees can enjoy full access to the open pit areas to meet these very pilots, explore our massive STEM zone, and witness world-class military displays.
Tickets are moving fast, and premium grandstand seating is limited. Head over to our official ticket portal to lock in your Grandstand Seating, Pit Passes, or exclusive hospitality packages.
Don’t wait until the tarmac clears! Secure your official tickets today and join us in Roswell this September!
