Models and competitors on the flightline.
By Jessy Symmes
Rain and low ceilings pushed the start of competition back more than two hours on Tuesday. Once the field opened up, the 2026 NSRCA Nationals got a full day of flying in. The weather did not cooperate after that either. Pilots faced 15 mph winds from the first flight to the last, which is the kind of condition that separates a well-practiced sequence from a hopeful one. Wind moves the box, pushes lines out of true, and forces constant correction on maneuvers that are supposed to look effortless. Nobody got a free pass today. Despite the late start, all classes completed two rounds, with flying wrapping up just before dark.
Here is where things stand after two rounds. In Sportsman, Kasey Johnson leads with 1974.15 to Samuel Woodard’s 1970.12, with John Schmehl third at 1818.85. Timothy Taylor sits on a perfect 2000 in Intermediate after winning both rounds, followed by Ron McGrath at 1772.38 and Eric Uptagrafft at 1745.50. Lonnie Martin has done the same in Advanced, taking both rounds for 2000, ahead of Oscar Cespedes at 1898.96 and Evan Krause at 1844.57. Masters is tight at the top, with Gordon Hyde at 1980.38, David Lockhart at 1969.60, and Chuck Edwards at 1948.99. In F3A, Andrew Jesky leads at 1988.04 over Jason Shulman at 1962.15, with Peter Collinson third at 1937.06.
Scores are being posted as they come in so you can watch from home. Live scoring is available at: https://scoreboard.patternscribe.com/static/contest.html?date=2026_07_27&name=2026+AMA+Nationals
Contest Director Don Ramsey made his pitch for anyone still thinking about making the trip. “You’re missing a great experience if you don’t come to the Nats,” Ramsey said. “It’s a chance for you to look at pilots from all over the country. And if you wonder what your skills are versus their skills, you can come find out right here. You’re going to find out there’s a lot of people with a lot of skills here that are able to demonstrate those skills under very stressful conditions. It doesn’t matter how much, or how long you’ve competed. You can still get nervous.”
Asked for words of wisdom, Ramsey kept it short: “Be less nervous, fly better.”
Dave Lockhart and Ken Velez discussing Ken’s flight.
Judges scoring flights after the weather delay.
Jason Shulman and Chad Northeast relaxing before their second rounds.
Jerry Budd taking off for the judges in round 2 of Masters.
Forrest Pilkenton taking in the first round.
