Born to two pilots, aviation has been part of my life from the very beginning. I grew up flying alongside my dad, developing a passion for aviation at an early age. Although it took me some time to earn my private pilot certificate, once I achieved that milestone in September 2018, I immersed myself fully in flight training—quickly collecting ratings, endorsements, and experience across a wide range of aircraft.
Today, I fly professionally and spend as much time as possible flying my RV-7 and Pitts S-1. Whether it’s cross-country flying, formation, or racing, aviation continues to be both my career and my greatest passion.

I began attending the Reno Air Races with my dad at a young age and never missed a year they were held. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of crewing for a race team, gaining a deeper appreciation for the people, dedication, and camaraderie that make air racing so special. Becoming a racer myself has been a lifelong dream, and I’m honored and excited to finally take my place on the course this year.

2026 Biplane Rookie

Jeff has been racing biplanes continuously since his first race in 1995 when he flew the legendary N8L, the Pitts upon which the first complete plans were drawn by Curtis Pitts. He has since raced a couple of other Pitts Specials including his current mount Miss Dianne as well as Miss Gianna (race 13) in which he has finished as high as second in the gold and was the fast qualifier in 2005.

Since retiring from a career in technical marketing and engineering in Silicon Valley, Jeff currently works as an A&P mechanic at a San Jose flight school when he is not flying his Pitts or Pacer or keeping busy in his role as president of the Biplane Air Racing Class.

2025 Result: 1st Silver 191.617 MPH

2025 Result: 5th Gold 181.091 MPH

2026 Biplane Rookie

2025 Result: 4th Gold 199.118 MPH

Tommy Suell is a professional airline captain, aerobatic pilot, and championship air racer whose passion for aviation has defined his life. From flying hang gliders, paragliders, and ultralights to commanding commercial airliners, Tommy has built a career centered on precision, adventure, and a love for flight. He competes in the National Championship Air Races in the Biplane Class, flying his Pitts S-1C Shake N Bake, and is known for his skill in aerobatics and high-performance flying.

Beyond the cockpit, Tommy shares his aviation journey with thousands of followers through social media, inspiring the next generation of pilots with stories of air racing, seaplane flying, and life as an airline captain. Whether flying across the country, racing around pylons, or introducing his family to the world of aviation, Tommy’s mission is to celebrate the freedom, discipline, and excitement of flight while encouraging others to pursue their dreams in the skies.

2025 Result: 3rd Gold 199.428 MPH

Mike started flying in 1985 and has stayed active in general aviation throughout my life and has owned a few different airplanes. He currently has an RV-6. Mike entered Air Force pilot training in 1988, after graduation he was an instructor pilot in the T-37. His next assignment took him to Beale AFB in northern California to fly the T-38 and U-2. In 1998 he was hired by United Airlines and flew the 727, 737, Airbus 319/320, 757, 767 and is now a captain on the 777. Mike and his wife Teri live in Grass Valley, CA with their 2 shepherd dogs, one Belgian and one German.

Mike’s race plane is a Pitts S1S named “Misty 38” in honor of his dad. It was his call sign in Viet Nam while flying as a Misty in the F-100. This airplane was built in 2016, Mike bought it earlier this year and it’s been fun flying Misty in preparation for the Roswell Races.

2026 Biplane Rookie

2025 Result: 1st Gold 219.848 MPH

2025 Result: 3rd Silver 176.991 MPH

Erik Viking, a rookie race pilot in 2026 and professional pilot since 1996, brings diverse experience as an instructor pilot, corporate pilot, civilian flight test pilot, lifeguard pilot, and aerobatic competition pilot having flown more than 50 types. His number-one goal for Roswell is safety, including avoiding a potential alien abduction. “I have much to learn as a zero time race pilot.” – Erik

Erik will pilot “Race 505” an experimental Pitts S1S with Wolf wings. “Race 505” is not a rookie and has previously raced in Reno seven times under the retired name “The Batplane”. It was built by two Air Force veterans, Colonel Herb Ross a WWII P-38 Ace and Colonel “Buck” Cobb who flew F-16s. Race 505’s first flight was from Stockton in August of 1993 piloted by Buck Cobb who also flew aerobatic competition in it. In 1997 the Wolf wings and cowling were added.

2026 Biplane Rookie

Beginning his flight training at 17 years old, Josh has been flying professionally since 2016. Starting his flying career as a UAV chase pilot, flying high performance piston aircraft. He then transitioned to the airline industry, flying CRJ’s for a regional airline. Currently he is a B-737 Captain for a legacy airline in Los Angeles, California.

Josh is a dedicated racer. Before competing for the first time at the National Championship Air Races in 2025 (a dream of his for many years), he has been a long time off-road motorcycle desert racer. Frequently racing a variety of motorcycles in demanding Hare & Hound, Grand Prix, Sprint Enduro and Trials formats in Southern California.

Josh’s single seat Biplane racer, a Pitts Special named “Red Zeppelin” whose name was inspired by his favorite rock band. The airplane also shares his motorcycle racing number, 831, and was a former Reno air race plane under the name “Prudence”.

2025 Result: 2nd Silver 179.715 MPH

2026 Biplane Rookie