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!
