New air racing experience launches Oct. 13 following exclusive hands-on opportunities for fans at the 2026 National Championship Air Races in Roswell
The World’s Fastest Motorsport is coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator unveiled a new trailer for its upcoming National Championship Air Races expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, giving fans their first look at the next generation of virtual air racing.
The expansion will officially launch Oct. 13, 2026, just weeks after the National Championship Air Races return to Roswell, New Mexico, Sept. 16–20.
Tony Logoteta, president and chief operating officer of the Reno Air Racing Association, joined Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, during Xbox’s Gamescom coverage to reveal the new trailer and talk about the collaboration behind the project.
“This is a unique, one-of-a-kind event in the world,” Logoteta said during the interview. “It’s the World’s Fastest Motorsport.”
The partnership brings the speed, competition and technical demands of real-world air racing into Microsoft Flight Simulator, with experienced National Championship Air Races pilots working alongside the development team to help make the experience as authentic as possible.
Experience Air Racing in a Whole New Way
The new expansion builds on the air racing experience previously introduced through the partnership between Microsoft Flight Simulator and the Reno Air Racing Association. Players will be able to compete on the historic Reno course as well as the new National Championship Air Races courses in Roswell, bringing both chapters of the sport into the virtual world.
The updated experience also adds greater technical realism. Racers will need to manage elements including manifold pressure and engine temperature rather than simply flying at full power, adding another layer of strategy and skill to competition.
The expansion will also feature STOL Drag racing, bringing the head-to-head short takeoff and landing competition seen at the National Championship Air Races into Microsoft Flight Simulator. Play It First at the 2026 National Championship Air Races
Fans attending the 2026 National Championship Air Races in Roswell will have an opportunity to experience the new content before its Oct. 13 release.
Microsoft Flight Simulator will be onsite throughout the event with an interactive activation where attendees can get behind the virtual controls and experience the new air racing content firsthand. It creates a one-of-a-kind crossover between the virtual and real-world sport: fans can race on the simulator, then step outside to watch the aircraft and pilots that inspired the game compete at speeds reaching more than 500 mph around the Roswell course.
“The partnership with Microsoft Flight Simulator gives us an extraordinary opportunity to introduce air racing to people around the world,” Logoteta said. “Fans can see these incredible airplanes and pilots racing in Roswell, experience the new simulator firsthand while they’re at the event, and then take that experience home with them when the expansion launches in October. It connects the real sport and the virtual experience in a way we’ve never been able to do before.”
See It in Roswell Before You Race It at Home
The 2026 National Championship Air Races take place Sept. 16–20 at the Roswell Air Center in Roswell, New Mexico, featuring multiple classes of high-performance aircraft competing around closed pylon courses, along with airshow performances, aviation exhibits, STEM programming and fan experiences.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 National Championship Air Races Roswell expansion launches Oct. 13, 2026.
Want to experience it before the rest of the world? Join us in Roswell Sept. 16–20 and stop by the Microsoft Flight Simulator booth to take your turn behind the controls.
The roar of the engines. The thrill of aircraft racing across the New Mexico sky. The unforgettable moments that marked a new chapter for the National Championship Air Races.
On Aug. 1, you can experience the excitement of the 2025 National Championship Air Races all over again on FS1. Set your DVR for 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, EDT!
Whether you joined us in Roswell or watched from afar, tune in for an up-close look at the pilots, aircraft and passionate community behind The World’s Fastest Motorsport. Relive the energy of race week and see some of last year’s biggest moments from a whole new perspective.
Ready for More?
Watching the action on FS1 is only the beginning. This September, the National Championship Air Races return to Roswell Air Center for five days of high-speed competition, precision flying and unforgettable aviation excitement.
Whether you joined us for the inaugural Roswell races or are planning your first trip, now is the time to secure your spot for race week. Choose from General Admission, reserved grandstand seating and premium hospitality options to create the experience that is right for you.
Hold onto your hats, race fans, the skies over Roswell are about to get a whole lot faster. As we gear up for the National Championship Air Races (NCAR), taking place September 16-20, 2026 at the Roswell Air Center (ROW), we are thrilled to announce one of the most exciting speed developments in our event’s modern history. This year, we are officially debuting a brand-new, high-speed 11-mile Jet Class racecourse designed specifically to push the absolute limits of aviation.
Affectionately dubbed the “Mach Course,” this thrilling new layout is engineered for qualified Jet Class pilots and aircraft to compete at speeds of up to 600 mph!
Why the “Mach Course”?
While the 600-mph speed cap remains just below the actual speed of sound, the name “Mach Course” perfectly captures the sheer speed, thunderous sound, and dramatic spectacle that jet racing brings to the desert. For the top-tier, highly qualified Jet Class competitors who meet class qualification requirements, the Mach Course offers a longer, faster, and infinitely more dynamic stage to showcase their skills.
A course of this scale simply wasn’t possible before. It requires an immense amount of open space and a highly accommodating operating environment to run safely and responsibly—something our new home at the Roswell Air Center provides in spades.
A Historic Milestone: The Family is Back Together
This year represents a major milestone for NCAR. Last year was an incredible introduction to New Mexico, but 2026 is the year we bring the entire air racing family back together under one sky.
For the first time in Roswell, all seven race classes are scheduled to compete! If you secure a pit pass, you will be able to get up close and personal with the returning legendary Unlimited and Sport aircraft. They will join the Biplane, Jet, T-6, Formula 1, and STOL classes that made our inaugural year in Roswell so unforgettable.
Secure Your Seats Today!
The countdown to September is officially on, and tickets are expected to go fast as fans from around the globe lock in their plans to witness history.
Don’t miss your chance to see these pilots push 600 mph on the brand-new Mach Course! Head over to www.airrace.org right now to purchase your admission tickets, reserve grandstand seating, and grab your pit passes.
To stay in the loop on all the latest NCAR 2026 news and competitor updates, be sure to sign up for our official newsletter at our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll see you in Roswell!
From September 16–20, 2026, the skies above the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico will welcome the return of the National Championship Air Races. While every racing class offers its own unique competitive excitement, nothing captures the raw power, heritage, and sheer majesty of aviation quite like the Unlimited Class. Featuring legendary, heavily modified World War II-era piston-powered fighters, this division is the historic crown jewel of air racing. We are thrilled to officially unveil the competitor roster for this incredible division. Here’s your official look at the pilots and roaring warbirds ready to push the limits of piston-powered speed this September.
The Unlimited Class: Heavy Metal, Extreme Horsepower, Historic Legend
Unlimited Class Fact: The Unlimited Class is the historic backbone of air racing, showcasing iconic World War II fighters like the North American P-51 Mustang, Hawker Sea Fury, and Yakovlev Yak. These massive, roaring warbirds are highly modified with custom aerodynamics and highly tuned, thousands-of-horsepower engines. Racing low to the ground at speeds routinely exceeding 450+ MPH, it is a breathtaking display of engineering excellence and pilot endurance.
This year’s line-up is absolutely stacked with legendary aircraft and world-class pilots. From the iconic P-51 Mustangs like “Miss America” piloted by neurosurgeon Brent Hisey, and “Bardahl Special” flown by Steven Hinton, to rare beasts like the Bell/Pond P-63 “Pretty Polly” piloted by flight test engineer Tom Nightingale, the sheer variety of heavy metal on the ramp will be unparalleled. Keep a close eye on the Hawker Sea Furies, including Dennis Sanders’ legendary “924” and Stephen Koewler’s “Argonaut”, as they challenge the Mustangs for Unlimited dominance.
2026 Official Unlimited Class Lineup:
Mark Moodie – Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Spam Can (North American F-51D, #0)
Steve Hinton – Chino, CA | Bardahl Special (North American P-51D, #3)
John “Dusty” Dowd Jr. – Syracuse, KS | Lilly Grace (Wainwright Replica Yak, #6)
Brent Hisey – Ardmore, OK | Miss America (North American P-51D, #11)
JP Thibodeau – Denver, CO | Crusader (North American P-51D, #21)
Bernie Vasquez – Esparto, CA | Miss Trinidad (Yakovlev/Davis YAK 3UR-2000, #27)
Steven Coutches – Stateline, NV | 43 (North American NA P-51-H-5, #43)
Ken Gottschall – Ventura, CA | ManO’War (North American P-51D, #55)
Patrick Nightingale – Lander, WY | Bunny (North American P-51D, #62)
Tom Nightingale – Lakewood, CA | Pretty Polly (Bell/Pond P-63, #63)
Vicky Benzing – Monterey, CA | Plum Crazy (North American F-51D, #64)
Robbie Patterson – Corona, CA | Wee Willy II (North American F-51D, #81)
Stephen Koewler – Sacramento, CA | Argonaut (Hawker MK 11 Sea Fury, #114)
Dennis Sanders – Ione, CA | 924 (Hawker SX-Sea Fury TMK 20, #924)
Brant Seghetti – San Tan Valley, AZ | Blondie (North American P-51D, Race # N/A)
Witness the Ultimate Aviation Spectacle, Get Your Tickets Now!
There is absolutely nothing on Earth that compares to the physical, chest-rumbling roar of thousands of horsepower thundering past the grandstands. In addition to seeing these incredible machines race, attendees can enjoy full access to the open pit areas to meet their pilots, explore our massive STEM zone, and tour world-class military static aircraft displays.
Tickets are moving fast, and premium grandstand seating is extremely limited for this historic return. Head over to our official ticket portal today 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!
From September 16–20, 2026, the skies above the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico will thunder to life for the historic National Championship Air Races. While every racing class brings its own flavor of high-octane drama, few pairings highlight the breathtaking diversity of aviation quite like the Jet Class and the Sport Class. One represents the absolute pinnacle of high-speed, military-grade jet tactical racing, while the other showcases the jaw-dropping, cutting-edge boundaries of modern experimental and kit-built 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 Jet Class: Pure, Unadulterated Speed on the All-New ‘Mach’ Course!
The Jet Class features sleek, military-style jet trainers flying at speeds well in excess of 500 mph. Pulling heavy G-forces at altitudes below 50 feet around the pylons, these pilots command intense respect. While the 600-mph speed cap remains just below the actual speed of sound, the name ‘Mach’ course perfectly captures the sheer speed, thunderous sound, and dramatic spectacle of jet racing.
The new course is a redesigned track engineered to push qualified pilots of these high-speed machines to their absolute limit. To make this debut even more legendary, the introduction of the Mach course also brings two new heavy-metal MiG 17’s! Spectators will get to witness the incredible Soviet-era airframes flying around the pylons, alongside the widely beloved Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros and L-29 Delfins.
2026 Official Jet Class Lineup:
Bob McCormack – Sacramento, CA | Athena (Aero Vodochody L29C, #1)
Carol Sugars – Ilkeston, Derbyshire, UK | Graham (Aero Vodochody L29, #6)
Jerry “Jive” Kerby – Lake Wales, FL | Ivan (Aero Vodochody L39C, #7)
David Sterling – San Diego, CA | Race 8 (Aero Vodochody L39C, #8)
Scott Gusakov – Milan, MI | Lap Dancer (WSK-PZL MIELEC MIG17/LIM6, #511)
Mark “DeadStick” Davis – Houston, TX | Enigma (Aero Vodochody L39ZA, #911)
Bill Culberson – Mobile, AL | Team Romanov (Mikoyan Gurevich MIG-17, #1713)
The Sport Class: Making an Anticipated Roswell Debut!
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Sport Class, created to highlight the fast-evolving world of high-performance, amateur-built aircraft. After pausing their participation during the relocation transition, the Sport Class is touching down in Roswell this September! To qualify, these aircraft must be kit-built and capable of speeds exceeding 150 mph—though top racers now routinely break the 350+ mph barrier. Featuring highly tuned, sleek kit planes like the Lancair Legacy, Questair Venture, and the specialized Super Glasair, this class represents the perfect marriage of experimental aerospace engineering and sheer piloting grit.
2026 Official Sport Class Lineup:
Tom McNerney – Blue Springs, MO | Too Much (Laminar Consulting Lancair Legacy, #4)
Joe Coraggio – Chandler, AZ | Ramp Rat’s Ride (Lancair Legacy, #6)
Kevin Eldredge “Skids” – Deer Park, WA | Gryphon (Super Glasair SH-3R, #7)
Witness the Ultimate Aviation Spectacle, Get Your Tickets Now!
Whether you live for the strategic, high-speed jet-engine roar on the brand-new Mach course or the astonishing, physics-defying agility of highly-tuned experimental aircraft making their Roswell debut, 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 today 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!
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
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:
RodHewitt – 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!
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