Casper, Wyoming – The iconic World War II‑era North American T‑6 Texan that once carried Wyoming’s own Jim Good to podium finishes at Reno is back in competition. After Good’s passing, the aircraft – nicknamed the “Wyoming Wildcatter” – was acquired by fellow Casper pilot Virgil Tatman, who entered it in the 2026 National Championship Air Races held at the Roswell Air Center in New Mexico.
Race results and performance
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the T‑6 Wildcatter posted a time of 8:41.076 and a speed of 217.212 mph, earning a respectable sixth‑place finish in the T‑6 Class Gold race. The full official standings were:
- 1st – Lee Oman (Sequim, WA) – 8:05.396 – 233.179 mph
- 2nd – Vitaly Pecherskyy (Kyiv, Ukraine) – 8:17.007 – 227.731 mph
- 3rd – Vic McMann (Blaine, WA) – 8:23.726 – 224.694 mph
- 4th – Greg McNeely (Port Orange, FL) – 8:23.905 – 224.614 mph
- 5th – Gordo Sanders (Jasper, AL) – 8:41.017 – 217.237 mph
- 6th – Virgil Tatman (Casper, WY) – 8:41.076 – 217.212 mph
- 7th – Chris LeFave (Caldwell, ID) – 9:30.171 – N/A
While the top speeds in the class approach 230 mph, the T‑6 division emphasizes pilot skill and strategic line selection over raw engine power. The aircraft’s historic design and matched performance capabilities make it a true test of a pilot’s precision.
Legacy of Jim Good
Jim Good earned a reputation as one of Wyoming’s most celebrated T‑6 racers. He captured first place in the T‑6 Class Silver race piloting the “Wyoming Wildcatter” and posted a sixth‑place finish in the 2007 Reno Air Races with a speed of 220.106 mph. The following year he returned to the Reno podium with a third‑place finish in the Silver class.
Good’s legacy lives on not only in his race results but also in the continued enthusiasm of Wyoming’s aviation community. The aircraft remains based in Casper, where local pilots and fans gather to support its upkeep and future competition entries.
What’s next for the Wildcatter?
Tatman’s decision to re‑enter the T‑6 at Roswell signals a commitment to keeping the historic plane active on the national stage. With a solid showing in its first race back, the team hopes to improve its placement in future events, potentially returning to the podium that Good once claimed.
Fans can watch the full race footage on the Roswell Air Races website and follow updates on the T‑6’s progress throughout the season.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
