Both Classes Hope to Rejoin Their Peers for the 2026 NCAR

The Unlimited Class recently confirmed that it would be withdrawing from this year’s National Championship Air Races (NCAR), unfortunately following suit with the Sport Class, which announced its decision in late July. This leaves five classes to compete in the event.

The Reno Air Racing Association announced the Unlimited Class decision earlier this week, calling it disappointing but not unexpected given the logistical hurdles of relocating an event that, until now, had spent 59 years rooted in Reno.

“The Unlimited Class is one of our most iconic, so we are obviously disappointed,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “While they won’t be able to join us for our inaugural year in Roswell, we look forward to working closely with the class after this event to ensure their accreditation and return at NCAR 2026.”

The class itself cited safety, operations, and sustainability as key reasons for sitting out the Roswell event. Spokesman Steven Hinton emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, adding that Unlimited pilots remain committed to returning in 2026. In the meantime, the group will continue working with RARA to ensure accreditation and to adapt to the realities of the new venue.

The Sport Class, which bowed out in late July, gave a similar explanation. Organizers pointed to “operational concerns” that surfaced during this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar. The class has grown rapidly in recent years, with everything from high-performance sportplanes to heavily modified Experimentals pushing the limits of both course design and safety planning.

Luckily, fans can still expect what has been described as 'a robust program' in Roswell. Five classes remain on the roster, joined by aerobatic performances, STOL Drag, military and civilian demonstrations, static displays, and the Biplane Class, which returns after a brief absence. RARA also highlighted expanded educational programming, including a STEM Discovery Zone designed to engage local students.

The absence of two headliners may sting, but both Unlimited and Sport leaders insist this is a one-year pause rather than a retreat. If the current plan holds, NCAR 2026 will mark the full return of every class… with a little extra time to iron out the wrinkles that come with uprooting one of aviation’s longest-running competitions.

FMI: www.airrace.org