Tar Heel Classic One Loft Race

08/23/2026

Sunday morning loft update!

​Gorgeous weather today, and the young birds are really starting to find their groove. You can see a strong group kitting up, getting nice and high, and flying in a tight, disciplined bunch.

​Just a quick look at the team out enjoying the morning air and building up their condition. Hope everyone is having a fantastic Sunday!
John & Wai Ming (Linda)

08/18/2026

Mid-August Update: Beating the Heat and Preparing for Autumn

Welcome, fanciers and breeders! We want to give everyone a mid-August progress report. As many of you know, it gets extremely hot and humid in North Carolina this time of year, with heat indexes recently ranging from 106°F to 112°F (approximately 41°C to 44°C for our European fanciers and breeders).
Current Birds Status & Management
* Housing: The birds remain separated into three distinct groups, with each group having about three sections to themselves. This gives them plenty of room, averaging about 200 to 225 birds per group spread across their designated sections.

* Current Routine: Since pulling the flights and keeping them locked in for a couple of weeks, the birds are back out and about, and about 50% are currently going up for a fly. Right now, we are letting them relax, bask in the sun, and pick around on the grass.

* Upcoming Transition: Once we begin regular flagging around the beginning of September, all ground-pecking and relaxing stops. At that point, our priority is teaching them to get out, fly, and home rapidly so they learn to come in and out very quickly.
Health & Veterinary Check
Health continues to be very strong. About two weeks ago, we had the NC State University avian veterinary team visit the loft. The professor brought fourth-year veterinary students for a tour to give them hands-on exposure to racing pigeons right before graduation, giving them a unique look outside of traditional avian care.
The professor noted that the birds looked exceptionally well. While routine dropping samples showed a slight trace of coccidiosis—which is completely normal and can never be brought down to absolute zero—it was well below any threshold requiring treatment.
Looking Ahead to September & Predator Realities
Entering September, we officially start flagging the birds to build their physical fitness. Every year, we get a few reluctant flyers who would rather lounge around, which is precisely why flagging is essential to give them every opportunity to get moving and build the stamina required for our upcoming schedule.
Note on predators: When flagging begins, it's an unfortunate fact of life that some birds will go sit and roost in the trees with local hawks waiting close by. They aren't all going to be superstars, but that weeding-out process is part of the reality of the sport.
Road Training Plan (Starting October 1st)
Our plan is locked in to start road training on October 1st. As always, we take a very gradual approach:

* We begin at 1 mile, working our way in a circle around the compass (north, south, east, and west).
* We repeat this systematically out to 2 miles, then 3, 4, and 5 miles.
* Once we hit that 5-mile mark, we finally start stretching out along the direct line of flight.
I know some people feel this slow, methodical method is a waste of time, but I believe in putting in maximum effort to give your birds every single opportunity to succeed.
Activation Schedule
Barring any unforeseen issues, our activation window remains solidly on schedule for November 10th through November 15th. Everything is looking great on that front.
Benzing Clocking System & Loft Management
Regarding our clocking setup, everything on the loft and Benzing side is operating perfectly. We did experience a minor snag with the data handover from the Benzing site over to Terry at Win Companion for posting results, but Terry got it completely straightened out and resolved.
I will run a few more tests, and once I'm completely satisfied, I’ll turn the system live for everyone simultaneously. Keep in mind that birds won't all clock at the same time because they are managed in rotating groups:
* One group may go out in the early morning.
* Another goes out mid-morning.
* The youngest group might skip the morning entirely and head out in the evening (we constantly rotate the schedule back and forth).
It's a proven system that works for me, so I ask for your patience. As always, if you haven't heard from me directly, your birds are still here and doing well. Manual counts show our numbers are strong, and while we know those numbers will shift once training begins, I have my fingers crossed. I feel really confident this year that the birds are well ahead of schedule!
Staying Connected & Informed
We know that everyone stays dialed in at a different level—some fanciers and breeders want as much behind-the-scenes detail as possible, while others just want to check in on race day. Whatever your style, it's your race, and we want to meet you where you're at!
To keep everyone up to speed, we use a few different channels depending on how frequently you want updates:
* In-Depth Updates: Our updates blog at tarheelclassicrace.com serves as our more comprehensive, monthly big-picture update (which we also cross-post to Win Companion). As we get closer to the racing season and things ramp up, these will come out more frequently.
* Frequent Updates (1 to 3 times per week): For quicker hits, photos, and regular progress reports, catch us on Facebook, YouTube, and our WhatsApp group, as well as TikTok and Instagram. Feel free to like and follow across all our platforms!
We pride ourselves on providing numerous ways for you to stay informed. If you ever have questions—or if you're struggling to log on or navigate any of our platforms—please don't hesitate to reach out. I am only a phone call or text away at 732-522-0542.
Thank you very much for all your continued support.
John and Wai Ming (Linda) Ward

08/10/2026

Splish splash, the birds are taking a bath! 🚿

While they enjoy some bath time, here’s a quick look behind the scenes at our watering setup. You’ll notice we use ni**le drinkers on both our 2-gallon and 5-gallon bucket systems. Upgrading to these drinkers is a key part of our biosecurity protocol. Traditional waterers easily catch droppings, feathers, and dust, and when a sick bird dips its beak, it can quickly spread to the rest. Closed ni**le drinkers keep open, contaminated water out of the loft, cutting down on cross-contamination and keeping the birds healthier.
Clean water, healthy birds, strong team. Now let's get back to it!
– John and Wai Ming (Linda) Ward

08/08/2026

A quick behind-the-scenes look at loft Bio Security Protocols maintenance! We scrub, power wash, and disinfect with Virkon S every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure a clean, healthy environment.
​Finished up the newer section yesterday, and tomorrow we hit the section with the expanded metal floor. It’s a 2 to 3-day process to power wash top to bottom and clean out underneath, but keeping things pristine is the top priority. Thanks to everyone for following along and supporting what we do here at the Tar Heel classic one loft race!

08/02/2026

🕊️ Young Bird Status Report – August 2, 2026

​Hi everyone,
​It’s been a couple of weeks since our last update, but with the slow, quiet stretch of summer coming to an end, things are officially about to pick up! Here is a quick breakdown of where the flock stands and what’s ahead on the schedule.

​Current Loft Status & Development
​The Post-Molt Group: The birds that had their 9th and 10th flights pulled have been on their standard three-week lockdown. They are looking great—most are three-quarters to fully feathered out on those outer flights. We will officially resume open loft flying on Monday!

​The Younger Arrivals: The later, younger arrivals that didn’t need their flights pulled have successfully cleared full quarantine and vaccinations. They’ve finished trap training and are routinely out on the landing board coming in and out. While they do a little short flying here and there, they aren’t ranging in groups just yet.

​Separation & Clocking: Keep in mind, the birds are still housed in separate groups. We won't combine the full flock until late August or early September. Starting this week, we’ll also begin running the clock a couple of times a week to keep them accustomed to the system.

​Upcoming Schedule & Game Plan
​August (Loft Flying & Routine): Expect things to start a little slow this week as the birds get back into the swing of loft flying. August is all about establishing daily routines and getting their muscles back in shape.

​September (Flagging): Right around early September, we’ll begin flagging the birds to force-fly them and build up solid endurance over the loft.

​October 1st (Road Training Begins): As usual, formal road training kicks off around October 1st. We’ll be starting with our 360° compass toss protocol—starting at 1 mile out in all directions, then moving to 2, 3, and 4 miles.
​Once we reach 5 miles, we line up on our official line of flight. We hold them at 5 miles for 2 to 3 tosses to make sure they have the hang of it before making gradual, small bumps in distance. Taking it nice and steady minimizes losses and builds strong confidence.

​November 10–15 (Activation Race Window): Barring any major weather interruptions, our schedule remains right on target for our 100-mile Activation Race in mid-November.

​Looking Ahead
​The summer lull is over, the birds look healthy, and the fun part of the season is finally kicking into high gear. Everything is right on schedule, and I'm excited to watch this group start ramping up.
​Stay tuned—we’ll have more updates and clocking data as the routine gets moving!

🕊️ Reporte de Estado de los Pichones – 2 de agosto de 2026
¡Hola a todos!
Ha pasado un par de semanas desde nuestro último reporte, pero a medida que el período tranquilo del verano llega a su fin, ¡las cosas están a punto de ponerse en marcha! Aquí tienen un resumen de cómo se encuentra el palomar y lo que viene en el calendario.
Estado Actual del Palomar y Desarrollo
El Grupo en Remuda: A los palomos a los que se les arrancaron la 9.ª y 10.ª remeras han cumplido su periodo de encierro de tres semanas. Se ven excelentes; la mayoría ya tiene entre tres cuartas partes y el plumaje completo en esas plumas exteriores. ¡Reanudaremos los vuelos de palomar el lunes!
Los Nuevos Arribos: Los pichones más jóvenes que llegaron después y no necesitaron que se les arrancaran las plumas han completado su cuarentena y vacunación. Terminaron el entrenamiento de trampa y salen rutinariamente a la plataforma de entrada. Aunque dan vuelos cortos aquí y allá, todavía no están volando en bandada.
Separación y Reloj: Tengan en cuenta que los palomos aún están divididos en grupos separados. No los combinaremos en una sola bandada hasta finales de agosto o principios de septiembre. A partir de esta semana, comenzaremos a pasar el reloj un par de veces por semana para que se acostumbren al sistema.
Próximo Calendario y Plan de Trabajo
Agosto (Vuelos de Palomar y Rutina): Es de esperar que las cosas comiencen un poco lentas esta semana mientras los palomos se reacostumbran a volar. El mes de agosto se centrará en establecer la rutina diaria y tonificar los músculos.
Septiembre (Banderín): A principios de septiembre, comenzaremos a usar el banderín para obligarlos a volar y desarrollar una buena resistencia sobre el palomar.
1 de Octubre (Inicio del Entrenamiento en Carretera): Como de costumbre, el entrenamiento en carretera comenzará alrededor del 1 de octubre. Empezaremos con nuestro protocolo de sueltas en 360° (puntos cardinales), comenzando a 1 milla de distancia en todas las direcciones, y luego avanzando a 2, 3 y 4 millas.
Una vez que lleguemos a las 5 millas, nos alinearemos con nuestra ruta oficial de vuelo. Los mantendremos en las 5 millas durante 2 o 3 sueltas para asegurarnos de que le capten la idea antes de hacer incrementos graduales de distancia. Llevar las cosas de forma constante minimiza las pérdidas y genera confianza.
10–15 de Noviembre (Ventana de la Carrera de Activación): A menos que surjan interrupciones meteorológicas importantes, nuestro calendario se mantiene según lo previsto para nuestra Carrera de Activación de 100 millas a mediados de noviembre.
Mirando Hacia Adelante
La calma del verano ha terminado, las aves se ven saludables y la parte divertida de la temporada finalmente está tomando fuerza. Todo está a tiempo y estoy entusiasmado de ver a este grupo empezar a acelerar el ritmo.
¡Manténganse al tanto! Tendremos más actualizaciones y datos de reloj a medida que la rutina avance.

07/07/2026

https://tarheelclassicrace.com/updates-blog/f/tar-heel-classic-young-bird-update-july-6th2026

Thank you to everyone for your continued trust and support. We are excited to share the latest progress report for the Tar Heel Classic young birds.

07/03/2026

From our family to yours happy 250 year's, Independence Day

06/29/2026

📣 FINAL COUNTDOWN: $300,000 Prize Pool!
Ready to test your best against the elite? The Heel Classic One Loft Race is loading up for a massive finish! Take advantage of our special "Buy 5, Get 2 Free" promotion while there’s still time. Last day to ship birds is Tuesday, June 30th, to arrive here by July 3rd, let’s see if your team has what it takes to hit the leaderboard! Replacements must be in the loft no later than July 18th.

👉 Visit http://tarheelclassicrace.com for full details today.

06/24/2026

📣 What a sensational buzz in Enfield, North Carolina! The adrenaline is pumping through the aisles at the Tar Heel OLR (https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0wqcpX0) facility because the next generation of elite avian athletes is gearing up for a legendary season. John Ward and his dedicated team are working around the clock, leaving absolutely nothing to chance. If you want to measure your bloodlines against the absolute world top, this is the ultimate stage you have been searching for.

👉 Go to https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0wqcpX0

06/22/2026

Tar Heel Classic One Loft Race: Young Bird Progress & YB Intake
June 21, 2026



Activity at the loft is ramping up, and I’m incredibly pleased with the progress our young bird teams are making. Our goal remains the same as always: to provide every bird with the gold standard of care, from our rigorous health protocols to consistent flight training.

Loft Progress Report

Groups 1–4: These birds are flying and routing strongly. We have pulled their 9th and 10th flights this past week; they will be kept in for the next couple of weeks to allow for proper regrowth.
Groups 5–6: Trap training is complete, and these birds are kitting up well. In the next 1–2 weeks, we will be pulling their 9th and 10th flights as well.
Groups 7–8: These birds have cleared quarantine and are currently focused on mastering their trap training.
Groups 9–10: These arrivals are currently in quarantine. As a reminder, for any birds arriving after June 15th, we generally do not pull flights unless the birds are significantly mature. We want to ensure the late arrivals have every advantage to keep pace with the rest of the loft.

Health & Wellness: Excellence in health is the backbone of our operation. Groups 1–6 have completed their full vaccination series, including our Salmonella protocol (with boosters) and all necessary PMV/Rotavirus doses. Once our final groups clear quarantine, we will administer the pox vaccine to the entire loft simultaneously to ensure total coverage.

Final Intake Update: We are still accepting entries for those looking to compete. If you are planning to join us this year, please ensure your birds are shipped no later than Monday, June 30th, to guarantee they arrive at the loft by Friday, July 3rd.

Shipping Tips for Success:

Ship Early: Please ship on Mondays and Tuesdays only. We recently had a box shipped on a Wednesday that didn't arrive until Saturday—that is unnecessary stress for these young birds.
Hydration: Please include a quartered orange in the box to provide natural hydration during transit.
Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your birds have enough space in their shipping containers.

Thank you for your continued trust. We are honored to manage your birds and look forward to a successful season. John & Linda Ward



Tar Heel Classic One Loft Race: Actualización de los Jóvenes y Admisión Final
La actividad en el palomar está aumentando y estoy muy satisfecho con el progreso que están logrando nuestros equipos de jóvenes. Nuestro objetivo sigue siendo el mismo de siempre: proporcionar a cada paloma el estándar de oro en cuidados, desde nuestros rigurosos protocolos de salud hasta un entrenamiento de vuelo constante.

Informe de Progreso del Palomar

Grupos 1–4: Estas aves vuelan y se agrupan con fuerza. La semana pasada les retiramos las 9.ª y 10.ª plumas; se mantendrán en el interior durante las próximas dos semanas para permitir un crecimiento adecuado.
Grupos 5–6: El entrenamiento de entrada al palomar ha finalizado y estas aves ya están volando y formándose bien. En las próximas 1 a 2 semanas, también les retiraremos las 9.ª y 10.ª plumas.
Grupos 7–8: Estas aves han salido de cuarentena y actualmente se están enfocando en dominar la entrada al palomar.
Grupos 9–10: Estas llegadas se encuentran actualmente en cuarentena. Como recordatorio, para cualquier ave que llegue después del 15 de junio, generalmente no retiramos las plumas a menos que sean aves significativamente maduras. Queremos asegurarnos de que las llegadas tardías tengan todas las ventajas posibles para mantener el ritmo con el resto del palomar.

Salud y Bienestar: La excelencia en la salud es la columna vertebral de nuestra operación. Los grupos del 1 al 6 han completado su serie completa de vacunación, incluidos nuestro protocolo de Salmonella (con refuerzos) y todas las dosis necesarias de PMV/Rotavirus. Una vez que nuestros grupos finales salgan de la cuarentena, administraremos la vacuna contra la viruela a todo el palomar simultáneamente para garantizar una cobertura total.

Actualización de la Admisión Final: Todavía estamos aceptando entradas para aquellos que deseen competir. Si planea unirse a nosotros este año, asegúrese de que sus aves sean enviadas a más tardar el lunes 30 de junio, para garantizar que lleguen al palomar antes del viernes 3 de julio.

Consejos para un envío exitoso:

Envíe temprano: Por favor, envíe solo los lunes y martes. Recientemente tuvimos una caja enviada un miércoles que no llegó hasta el sábado; eso es un estrés innecesario para estas aves jóvenes.
Hidratación: Incluya una naranja cortada en cuartos en la caja para proporcionar hidratación natural durante el transporte.
No sobrecargue: Asegúrese de que sus aves tengan suficiente espacio en sus contenedores de envío.

Gracias por su continua confianza. Es un honor para nosotros gestionar sus aves y esperamos tener una temporada exitosa. John & Linda Ward

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