by Rachel Chipp | Feb 6, 2026 | Air Race News, featured, Media
Keira Fong SOLOED.
Photo: KRTS. Runway 08. Aircraft N752DW.
You often hear people say they “don’t have time.” Keira Fong didn’t wait to find time – she made it.
Keira is a high school student and future U.S. Air Force pilot in the making. She serves as the youth lead for a 4-H Aviation group and is a Young Aviator Boot Camp alum. In her free time, she’s also part of FFA, Girl Scouts, plays sports, takes care of her pets and even gardens. With such a busy schedule, how was she able to take on securing her private pilot’s license?
We’re pleased to share that Keira was a 2025 Reno Air Race Scholarship participant and a true testament to our passion for supporting the next generation of pilots. Throughout her training, Keira has shown commitment, grit and an absolute refusal to quit ensuring her success in the skies.
In early February 2026, Keira took to the skies solo. She sent her CFI out of the plane, lined up on Runway 08 at Reno/Stead (KRTS) and flew.
No drama.
No rush.
Just calm hands, sharp judgment and solid flying.
Preparation plus persistence equals one impressive solo flight.
Congratulations to Keira on an unforgettable first solo, and a huge thank-you to her instructor, Andrew Spanier at Great Basin Aviation, for the guidance and mentorship that helped make this milestone possible.
And this is only the beginning. ✈️
For the National Championship Air Races, making the possibility of flight happen for the next generation of aviators is part of our core mission. As an organization, we are incredibly proud to support students in northern Nevada and Roswell, NM through our flight scholarship program. Are you interested in learning more about our flight scholarship training program?
by Rachel Chipp | Jan 13, 2026 | Air Race News, featured, Media
Our 2026 dates are out and we can’t wait to reunite with our September family in Roswell from September 16 – 20! Though we’re a little late on the announcement, we’re also excited to share the news that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are headlining our 2026 event.
“We are thrilled to officially announce our 2026 dates and to be joined by the prestigious U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in Roswell,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of RARA. “The enthusiasm and commitment we’ve seen from the racing community, the City of Roswell, and our partners across New Mexico gives us great confidence that 2026 will build on the tremendous success of our inaugural year here.”
This announcement is later than previous years for good reason, though, and we want to continue to be as transparent as possible with our dedicated fans. There were a combination of factors at play – namely responsible due diligence with respect to the federal government shutdown and using this past December’s International Council of Air Shows as an opportunity for RARA to meet with various organizations and event partners.
“Out of respect for the important role federal agencies play in aviation safety and event coordination, we felt it was prudent to take a measured approach before announcing,” added Telling. “At this time, we’re pleased to share that we are in discussions with all seven race classes for what is sure to be a wonderful event in Roswell next September.”
Those discussions are continuing throughout the next few weeks and we look forward to sharing updates as soon as possible. We’re continually thankful to our fans for their trust and support of our one-of-a-kind aviation experience. Where else in the world can you find the thrill of head-to-head air racing with high-speed demonstrations, military displays, and world-class aerobatic performances? Roswell, New Mexico from September 16 – 20, that’s where. We’ll see you there.
by Greg Gibson | Aug 21, 2025 | Air Race News, featured, Media
The National Championship Air Races are coming to Roswell, NM, September 10–14, 2025, and we need your help to make history! This once-in-a-lifetime event can’t happen without the support of dedicated volunteers, and we’re looking for enthusiastic people to join our team.
Volunteering at the Air Races is your chance to be part of the action, meet new people, and help bring the excitement of the world’s fastest motorsport to life. Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, every hand makes a difference.
Areas Where We Need You Most:
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Logistics – Help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
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Parking – Guide guests and keep traffic flowing.
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Security – Support our team in keeping the event safe and welcoming.
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Banner Crew – Assist with signage and event branding across the grounds.
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Coolers – Help distribute coolers to our Box Seat patrons.
Why Volunteer?
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Be part of an aviation event unlike any other.
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Get a behind-the-scenes view of how the races come together.
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Meet fellow aviation fans, pilots, and performers.
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Make a difference in bringing an iconic event to its new home in Roswell.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something unforgettable, we’d love to have you on the team.
👉 Sign up today and help us make the 2025 National Championship Air Races a soaring success!
SIGN UP TODAY!!
by Greg Gibson | Aug 19, 2025 | Air Race News, featured, Media
The wait is finally over—the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) are thrilled to unveil the official field of competitors for the 2025 debut in Roswell, NM, taking flight September 10–14. While the registration process took a little longer than expected, the anticipation has only fueled the excitement for this historic new chapter. For the first time ever, the world’s fastest motorsport will roar into Roswell, adding edge-of-your-seat aerial competition to the region’s proud aviation legacy. Fans can now look forward to the very best race pilots across multiple classes battling it out in a showdown of speed, skill, and daring unlike anything else on earth.
From the breathtaking, thundering velocity of the Jet Class and the classic roar of the T-6 Class to the nimble turns of Formula 1 and Biplanes, plus the daring ground-level fast turn skills of STOL Drag, fans can expect five days of unforgettable competition. Each aircraft and pilot carries with them the legacy of decades of racing tradition, now written into a bold new chapter in New Mexico, aptly named “the Land of Enchantment”.
“Unveiling our race field is one of the most exciting moments leading up to race week,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, producers of NCAR. “This lineup showcases the incredible dedication, passion, and spirit of our race teams, and we can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world to Roswell to witness history in the making.”
2025 Competitors by Class
Biplane Class
- #3: Sam Swift
- #6: Jeffrey Lo / Rob Bennett (Alt.)
- #8: Michael Langston
- #13: Jeffrey Lo
- #17: Andrew McVicker
- #25: Tommy Suell
- #66: Tom Marden
- #314: Scott Prewitt
- #411: Blake Prewitt
- #831: Joshua Saddlemire
Formula 1 Class
- #00: Chet Harris
- #10: Mark McIntyre
- #31: Joshua Watson
- #52: Trent Woodworth
- #57: Carl Robinson
- #72: Dominic Cacolici
- #79: Justin Phillipson
- #81: Drew Keenan
- #82: Andrew Mack
- #85: Eric Dienst
Jet Class
- PACE: Phillip Fogg / Rick Vandam (Alt.1) / Mike Steiger (Alt.2)
- #1: Bob McCormack
- #6: Bob McCormack
- #8: David Sterling
- #11: Jerry “Jive” Kerby
- #16: Kevin Roll
- #55: Nathan Harnagel
- #61: Tammy Camilleri / Charles Camilleri (Alt.)
- #84: Scott Gusakov
- #90: Mark Davis
- #100: Bill Culberson
STOL Class
- #11: Rod Hewitt
- #11: David Kerley
- #22: Jeffrey Whiteley
- #27: Harry Beaupre
- #40: Patrick McInteer
- #44: Steve Henry
- #48: Eddie Sanches
- #62: Austin Clemens
- #75: Tony Sanches
- #84: Aaron Greear
- #85: Cathy Page
- #96: Doug Tolbert
T-6 Class
- PACE / #21: Ben York
- #5: Joey “Gordo” Sanders
- #18: Lee Oman
- #19: Michael Sisk
- #43: Christopher LeFave
- #50: Vitaly Pecherskyy
- #66: Vic McMann
- #90: Greg McNeely
With the competitor field now set, the countdown to the 2025 National Championship Air Races is officially underway. Fans can expect not only thrilling races, but also spectacular airshow acts, incredible military and civilian displays, and the inspiring STEM Discovery Zone powered by GRADD. And the tradition continues—later this week, NCAR will reveal the airshow performer lineup, packed with surprises and legendary appearances fans will be talking about all year long!
Tickets are on sale now at airrace.org. Don’t miss history in the making.
by Greg Gibson | Aug 15, 2025 | Air Race News, featured, Media
The National Championship Air Races (NCAR) are proud to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially accredited NCAR to host multi-class Air Racing through August 31, 2027, following a comprehensive review of its application, new racecourses, and performance observations from this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS), held in May. This milestone affirms the FAA’s continued confidence in NCAR’s safety, structure, and execution, and marks a critical step forward as they prepare for the return of the world’s premier air racing event.
Six of the seven race classes have received full FAA approval for participation in NCAR 2025. Many pilots completed their course certifications during PRS, and others will be granted participation after flying in a dedicated, consolidated additional PRS session to be held just prior to the main event. This session will accommodate pilots who were unable to attend in May, ensuring consistent training and safety standards across all classes.
“This accreditation underscores the strength of our long-standing partnerships with the race classes and the FAA who are committed to producing an event that meets and exceeds the highest standards of safety and performance,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA). “We’re pleased to have received full FAA approval across our operations and look forward to showcasing the very best of air racing once again. I’d like to acknowledge the value of the hard work and leadership of the class presidents during this process.”
The Pylon Racing Seminar, often referred to as “Rookie School,” is a critical part of the NCAR safety ecosystem, providing pilots with the training and certification necessary to compete safely in the high-speed, low-altitude environment that defines pylon racing.
“This is a celebrated and meaningful development for the National Championship Air Races,” said Tony Logoteta, President and COO of RARA. “Our team’s diligence and the FAA’s cooperative approach have laid the foundation to carry on our legacy of hosting a safe and exciting event – the 2025 relaunch of the National Championship Air Races in Roswell. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the return of the Biplane Class under the leadership of class president Scott Thomson to our September Family.”
The National Championship Air Races will return in 2025 with spectacular closed-course pylon air racing, STOL Drag, aerobatic performances, and a full slate of fan experiences and aviation attractions. Accreditation from the FAA affirms NCAR’s standing as one of the most professionally organized and safest motorsport events in the world.
