Tickets on sale now for National Championship Air Races in Roswell
Return of all seven racing classes, plus USAF Thunderbirds and civilian performers complete action packed event
Roswell, NM (April 27, 2026) – The National Championship Air Races (NCAR) has announced that tickets are available for the 2026 event in its new home at Roswell Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico. From Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Sunday, Sept. 20, fans from all over the world can experience seven classes of racing as pilots compete for the coveted gold trophy, in addition to visiting static and military displays, vendors, food booths and more. The event will also feature the USAF Thunderbirds, performing for the first time in Roswell. Tickets for the 2026 National Championship Air Races can be purchased online at www.airrace.org
“2025 was our first year hosting the National Championship Air Races in Roswell and we were overwhelmed by the support we received from the community and from the state of New Mexico,” said Tony Logoteta, president and COO of the Reno Air Racing Association (event producers of NCAR). “This year will be a whole new experience for attendees with the participation of all seven classes, civilian and military performers, and the debut of the USAF Thunderbirds in Roswell. We’re thrilled to reunite our September family for this momentous 61st year of our event.”
A variety of ticket packages are available online now at early bird prices. From single day tickets to weeklong and VIP packages, there are plenty of options for families, fans and road trippers alike to be a part of the air races this year. While rooms in Roswell are limited, hotel and short-term rental options are also available in surrounding towns such as Artesia, Ruidoso, Alamogordo and Portales. Attendees looking for on-site options are highly encouraged to take advantage of the event’s increased RV camping availability, providing the easiest way to travel to ROW and attend the air races while enjoying plenty of space. Furthermore, attendees who wish to personally fly to Roswell can reserve aircraft parking spots at Roswell Air Center’s FBO, Avflight, website here.
The 2026 event is set to return with all seven classes of racing, more than 100 planes and pilots, several ‘hands-on’ displays and experiences including the STEM Education Discovery Zone, military and civilian demonstrations, incredible static displays and more. The event will also mark the sixth year of competition for STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag which has become a phenomenon both in the skies and on social media.
To stay up to date on the latest NCAR news and for ways to support the organization, sign up for the newsletter by visiting www.airrace.org.
About the National Championship Air Races
The National Championship Air Races are produced every September by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3) corporation. The event was founded in Northern Nevada where it became an institution and the pinnacle of air racing before moving the historic event to Roswell, New Mexico. Aviation enthusiasts from around the world come to the air races to see seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
