From September 16–20, 2026, the skies above the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico will welcome the return of the National Championship Air Races. While every racing class offers its own unique competitive excitement, nothing captures the raw power, heritage, and sheer majesty of aviation quite like the Unlimited Class. Featuring legendary, heavily modified World War II-era piston-powered fighters, this division is the historic crown jewel of air racing. We are thrilled to officially unveil the competitor roster for this incredible division. Here’s your official look at the pilots and roaring warbirds ready to push the limits of piston-powered speed this September.
The Unlimited Class: Heavy Metal, Extreme Horsepower, Historic Legend
- Unlimited Class Fact: The Unlimited Class is the historic backbone of air racing, showcasing iconic World War II fighters like the North American P-51 Mustang, Hawker Sea Fury, and Yakovlev Yak. These massive, roaring warbirds are highly modified with custom aerodynamics and highly tuned, thousands-of-horsepower engines. Racing low to the ground at speeds routinely exceeding 450+ MPH, it is a breathtaking display of engineering excellence and pilot endurance.
This year’s line-up is absolutely stacked with legendary aircraft and world-class pilots. From the iconic P-51 Mustangs like “Miss America” piloted by neurosurgeon Brent Hisey, and “Bardahl Special” flown by Steven Hinton, to rare beasts like the Bell/Pond P-63 “Pretty Polly” piloted by flight test engineer Tom Nightingale, the sheer variety of heavy metal on the ramp will be unparalleled. Keep a close eye on the Hawker Sea Furies, including Dennis Sanders’ legendary “924” and Stephen Koewler’s “Argonaut”, as they challenge the Mustangs for Unlimited dominance.
2026 Official Unlimited Class Lineup:
- Mark Moodie – Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Spam Can (North American F-51D, #0)
- Steve Hinton – Chino, CA | Bardahl Special (North American P-51D, #3)
- John “Dusty” Dowd Jr. – Syracuse, KS | Lilly Grace (Wainwright Replica Yak, #6)
- Brent Hisey – Ardmore, OK | Miss America (North American P-51D, #11)
- JP Thibodeau – Denver, CO | Crusader (North American P-51D, #21)
- Bernie Vasquez – Esparto, CA | Miss Trinidad (Yakovlev/Davis YAK 3UR-2000, #27)
- Steven Coutches – Stateline, NV | 43 (North American NA P-51-H-5, #43)
- Ken Gottschall – Ventura, CA | ManO’War (North American P-51D, #55)
- Patrick Nightingale – Lander, WY | Bunny (North American P-51D, #62)
- Tom Nightingale – Lakewood, CA | Pretty Polly (Bell/Pond P-63, #63)
- Vicky Benzing – Monterey, CA | Plum Crazy (North American F-51D, #64)
- Robbie Patterson – Corona, CA | Wee Willy II (North American F-51D, #81)
- Stephen Koewler – Sacramento, CA | Argonaut (Hawker MK 11 Sea Fury, #114)
- Dennis Sanders – Ione, CA | 924 (Hawker SX-Sea Fury TMK 20, #924)
- Brant Seghetti – San Tan Valley, AZ | Blondie (North American P-51D, Race # N/A)
Witness the Ultimate Aviation Spectacle, Get Your Tickets Now!
There is absolutely nothing on Earth that compares to the physical, chest-rumbling roar of thousands of horsepower thundering past the grandstands. In addition to seeing these incredible machines race, attendees can enjoy full access to the open pit areas to meet their pilots, explore our massive STEM zone, and tour world-class military static aircraft displays.
Tickets are moving fast, and premium grandstand seating is extremely limited for this historic return. 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!
