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2026 National Championship Air Races

Race Week Guide

September 16–20 • Roswell Air Center

Everything you need for your day at the National Championship Air Races.

Schedule
P
Parking
Race Classes
Meet the Pilots
Event Map
Parking Map
Shuttles
Race Course Map
What to Bring
Leave at Home

2026 National Championship Air Races Daily Schedule

(Subject to change, check back often!)

DAILY SCHEDULE

FILTER:
TIME
EVENT
CATEGORY
PLEASE NOTE: All event times and activities are subject to change. Check this page throughout Race Week for the latest schedule.
Racing
Air Show
Special Event
Military / Thunderbirds

Parking & Getting Here

Know where you're going before you arrive.

View Parking Map Get Directions

Follow event parking signage as you approach Roswell Air Center.

Have your ticket, parking pass or credential ready before entering.

Allow additional time during peak arrival periods.

SHUTTLE INFORMATION

Race Week Shuttle Service

Free shuttle and transit options are available September 16–20 from Roswell and Artesia.

ROSWELL SHUTTLE

FREE

Free parking + direct shuttle service to the Air Races.

1

PARK FREE

Park in the two lots off Richardson behind the Roswell Convention & Civic Center.

912 N. Main St.

2

WALK TO THE TRANSIT TERMINAL

Walk from the parking area to the Roswell Transit Terminal.

515 N. Main St.

3

RIDE TO THE AIR RACES

Dedicated Air Race buses travel directly from the Transit Terminal to the race venue.

TO THE RACES :00 Every Hour 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
BACK TO ROSWELL :30 Every Hour 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
IMPORTANT The regular Main Street bus to Roswell Air Center does not stop at the Air Race venue. Transfer to the dedicated Air Race shuttle at the Transit Terminal.

NEED A RIDE TO THE TERMINAL?

Use regular Roswell Transit or Dial-a-Ride to reach the Transit Terminal. For Dial-a-Ride pickup from a designated Roswell Transit stop, allow approximately one hour before your desired shuttle.

Special pickup is also available at Rodeway Inn Roswell West, 2803 W. 2nd St. Call Roswell Transit for details.

ROSWELL TRANSIT: 575-624-6766

ARTESIA SHUTTLE

FREE

Free daily shuttle service from Artesia hotels to the National Championship Air Races.

ARTESIA → AIR RACES

EARLY MORNING Arrival at ROW
≈ 7:45 AM
MID-MORNING Arrival at ROW
≈ 10:30 AM

AIR RACES → ARTESIA

EARLY AFTERNOON Departure from Roswell
≈ 4:00 PM
LATE AFTERNOON Departure from Roswell
≈ 6:00 PM

ARTESIA SHUTTLE STOPS

  • La Hacienda Inn / Budget Inn / Motel 6 Pickup details TBD
  • Spark by Hilton / Heritage Inn Meet at Spark
  • Best Western Pecos Inn / La Quinta Inn Meet at Best Western
  • Quality Inn & Suites
  • Shady Acres RV Park
  • Comfort Inn & Suites
  • Hampton Inn & Suites
  • Adobe Rose Restaurant Community stop — meet at north end of dirt parking lot
CHECK YOUR HOTEL For the official route and exact pickup times, refer to the shuttle schedule at your hotel's front desk or lobby.
ARTESIA BUS SERVICE: 575-746-2744
PHONE TIP: Screenshot the shuttle information before heading to the Air Races so you have it handy throughout the day.

ON-SITE TRAMS & PEOPLE MOVERS

Getting around the Air Races once you arrive

Different from the city shuttles: These are the on-site routes serving parking, RV lots, the general admission ramp and pit areas.

PARKING / RV LOT TRAMS

6 AM - 6 PM

3 trams planned. Stops:

  1. North Parking / RV Lot
  2. Mid Parking / RV
  3. General Admission Main Parking Lot
  4. Drop-Off Loop - Main Entrance

GENERAL ADMISSION TRAMS

7 AM - 6 PM

4 trams planned (3 Wednesday and Thursday). Stops:

  1. Main Gate
  2. Military Display
  3. Grandstands - North
  4. Grandstands - South / Pit Gate
  5. Mid Pit Gate
  6. STEM

PIT TRAMS

9 AM - 5 PM

2 trams planned. Stops as listed in the transportation summary:

  1. Pit Gate #1 by Main Entrance
  2. North Pit Stop / Formula 1 and Biplane Hangars
  3. Pit Gate #2 - Mid Pit
  4. Pit Gate #1 near VIP

The source repeats "Pit Gate #1" for two locations; use on-site signs to confirm the correct stop.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING TRANSPORT

7 AM - 6 PM

Six-seat golf carts are listed in the plan, with a designated accessible parking stop. The plan also references existing stops along the general admission ramp.

Ask event staff for the appropriate pickup point and current accessible transportation arrangements.

ON-SITE TRAM ROUTE MAP

Use this map to identify parking, RV areas, the main entrance and marked tram stops. Tap to enlarge.

2026 NCAR on-site tram route map showing parking and RV areas, main entrance, grandstands, STEM and pit stopsVIEW FULL TRAM MAP

Follow current on-site signage and staff directions.

Event Map

Know Before You Go

2026 National Championship Air Races Event Map
Open Full-Screen Map

Explore Air Racing

Know the classes. Meet the competitors.

7 Racing Classes

Biplane | Formula 1 | Jet | Sport | STOL Drag | T-6 | Unlimited

Learn about the aircraft, speeds and competition that make each National Championship Air Racing class unique.

Explore Race Classes

Meet the 2026 Racers

Meet the pilots competing at NCAR 2026 and explore their aircraft, race numbers, hometowns and racing classes.

Meet the Racers

Race Course Map

Follow the Racing

2026 National Championship Air Races Course Map

Know Before You Go

A little preparation makes race day even better.

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Portable phone charger
  • Tickets / credentials
  • ID
  • Camera
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

What to Leave at Home

  • Weapons
  • Tents
  • Umbrellas
  • Drones
  • Alcohol
  • Glass containers
  • Large coolers
  • Pets other than service animals
  • Laser pointers
  • Fireworks
  • Other prohibited items

Need Help?

+
Emergency Call 911 or contact event staff.
+
First Aid See Event Map for location.
?
Lost & Found Visit Guest Services.
i
FAQ's Click Here for FAQs