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 “Hurler” Weaver – Albuquerque, NM | Lucky 13 (Aero Vodochody L29, #13)
- Kevin Roll – Tulsa, OK | Gray Wolf (Aero Vodochody L29, #16)
- Joe “Face Punch” Swindel – San Diego, CA | Delfin Devil (Aero Vodochody L29, #19)
- Matthew Menza – Boulder, CO | The Patriot (Aero Vodochody L39C, #21)
- Tammy Camilleri – Bathurst, Australia | Miss Independance (Aero Vodochody L29, #61)
- Jason Googe – Savannah, GA | ArcAngel (Aero Vodochody L29, #77)
- Scott Gusakov – Milan, MI | Tumbling Goose (Aero Vodochody L39C, #84)
- Mark “DeadStick” Davis – Houston, TX | Czechmate (Aero Vodochody L39C, #90)
- Nathan Harnagel – Friendswood, TX | Spirit of Freedom (Aero Vodochody L29, #55)
- 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)
- Conrad Huffstutler – Uvalde, TX | Breathless (Lancair Legacy, #15)
- Bijan Maleki – Chandler, AZ | Reno Bear (Super Glasair SH-3R, #23)
- Jim Rust – El Cajon, CA | Race 24 (Vans RV-8, #24)
- Bob Mills – Georgetown, TX | Rocket Six (Vans RV-6, #49)
- Colleen Sterling – San Diego, CA | Aquila (Lancair Legacy, #52)
- Dee Child – Locust Grove, GA | Miss’d Tuesday (Super Glasair SH-3R, #60)
- Jason Rovey – Wickenburg, AZ | Sport 76 (Vans RV-8, #76)
- Kent D Edmunds – Tallahassee, FL | Velocite (Socata Epsilon TB-30, #130)
- Steve Senegal – San Bruno, CA | Miss S (Vans RV-4, #293)
- Blake Prewitt – Yuma, AZ | Phantom Rocket (Team Rocket F1, #314)
- Scott Prewitt – Prescott, AZ | Blown Budget (Super Glasair SH-3R, #411)
- Peter Balmer – Interlaken, Switzerland | Race 44 (Lancair Legacy, #44)
- Doug Rybczynski – Branchburg, NJ | Betty (Coraggio LongEz, #69)
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!
