The countdown is officially on. From September 16–20, 2026, the skies over the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico will ignite for the National Championship Air Races. We are thrilled to officially unveil the competitor rosters for two of our most legendary divisions: the Biplane Class and the Formula 1 Class.
The Biplane Class: Agility and Finesse at 200 MPH
Don’t let the classic, nostalgic double-wings fool you. The Biplane Class is a masterclass in modern aerobatic engineering and pilot reflexes. Racing at speeds up to 200 MPH on our tightest pylon course, these small, highly maneuverable aircraft require absolute concentration. Many pilots consider these the most challenging and physically demanding machines to fly in the entire aviation world.
This year’s roster features an incredible lineup dominated by variations of the famous, ultra-agile Pitts Special.
2026 Biplane Class Roster:
- Christopher Johnson – Tulsa, OK | Lady Luna (PITTS, #918)
- Michael Langston – Seattle, WA | Misfit (LHN, #8)
- Jeffrey Lo – San Jose, CA | Miss Dianne (PITTS S1, #6)
- Thomas Marden – Erwinna, PA | Second Hand (Pitts S1C, #66)
- Andrew McVicker – Erwinna, PA | Yellow Jersey (S-1, #17)
- Justin Phillipson – Vacaville, CA | Miss Gianna (Pitts LR1, #13)
- Scott Prewitt – Yuma, AZ | Flip Flop (S1-C, #314)
- Suzanne Richmond Damgaa – North Hills, CA | Gremlin Special (Pitts S1, #1)
- Joshua Saddlemire | Lake Arrowhead, CA | Red Zeppelin (PITTS S1-C, #831)
- Michael Smith – Grass Valley, CA | Misty 38 (Pitts S1S, #38)
- Tommy Suell – Las Vegas, NV | Shake N Bake (Van Winson S-1C, #25)
The Formula 1 Class: Pure Pilot Skill at 250 MPH
If you want to see a race determined strictly by tactical strategy and aerodynamic precision, look no further than Formula 1. Operating under strict rules, every single plane in this class must be powered by an identical 100-horsepower Continental O-200 engine (the exact same engine found in a standard Cessna 150).
However, because these custom-built, lightweight racers are stripped down to the absolute minimum and engineered with extreme sleekness, they fly up to 250 MPH! It is a true test of the individual pilot’s skill around the course, and passing maneuvers happen constantly. This year’s grid features a massive contingent of the famous Cassutt Sport Racers alongside an international roster.
2026 Formula 1 Class Roster:
- Dominic Cacolici – St. Petersburg, FL | Sky Addict (Cassutt Sport Racer, #72)
- Eric Dienst – Maple Park, IL | Deja Vu (Experimental, #85)
- Chet Harris – Anchorage, AK | Pistachio (Cassutt, #68)
- Scott Holmes – Edmonton, Canada | Outlaw (Cassutt, #9)
- Drew Keenan – Chico, CA | Sleeper (Cassut III, #81)
- Andrew Mack – Tehachapi, CA | Cheap Thrills (Cassutt 3M, #82)
- Mark McIntyre – Saint John, NB, Canada | Tantrum 2.0 (M-Cassutt-A, #10)
- Justin Phillipson – Vacaville, CA | No Strings Attached (Shoestring, #79)
- Houston Pye – Chehalis, WA | Monkey Ninja (IIIM, #39)
- Carl Robinson – Longview, TX | Heatstroke (Cassutt, #57)
- Pushkraj Wagh – Mumbai, India | ANNIE (CASSUTT 3 M, #17)
- Joshua Watson – Wilton | Fraed Naught (DG-2, #31)
- Trent Woodworth – Spring Valley, WI | Feisty (CASSUTT, #52)
Grab Your Seat for the World’s Fastest Motorsport!
From the tight, tactical flying of Formula 1 to the action of the Biplanes, you won’t want to miss a single second of the action. Beyond the racing, your ticket gives you access to the open pit areas to meet these very pilots, explore our massive STEM zone, and experience five days of unforgettable aviation culture.
Tickets are selling fast! Head over to our official ticket portal now to secure your Reserved Grandstand seating, Pit Passes, or exclusive Chairman’s Club hospitality packages.
Don’t wait…secure your official tickets today and join us in Roswell this September!
