National Championship Air Races announce thrilling 2025 airshow performer lineup and military static displays

Roswell, NM (August 21, 2025) – On the heels of an exciting competitor lineup, the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) have announced an outstanding lineup of airshow performers and military static displays, ensuring nonstop action both on the racecourse and in the air. These world-class acts provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment between race heats, featuring jaw-dropping aerobatics, roaring Warbirds and powerful military aircraft that celebrate both aviation history and modern innovation. To learn more about the National Championship Air Races or purchase tickets, visit www.airrace.org.

“Air racing is the core of our event, but the airshow performances, displays and military support are an incredibly important part of this one-of-a-kind aviation festival,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association, event producers of NCAR. “We’re thrilled to bring the exciting mix of racing in five of our classes, civilian aerobatics, Warbird demonstrations and military power to Roswell, creating an experience that fans will remember for a lifetime.”

2025 Civilian Performers Include:

• Jim Peitz – F33C Aerobatic Bonanza Known as one of the most polished airshow pilots flying today, Jim Peitz transforms his Beechcraft F33C Bonanza into an aerobatic marvel. With precision rolls, hammerheads, and tumbling maneuvers, Jim pushes the Bonanza to the edge of its envelope, proving that this classic airframe is every bit the showstopper.
• Philipp Steinbach – GB-1 GameBird Designer of the GameBird and a world-class aerobatic pilot, Philipp Steinbach brings his GB-1 to Roswell in a breathtaking display of energy and agility. Expect razor-sharp rolls, lightning-fast tumbles, and elegant precision flying that show exactly why the GameBird has earned its place among the great aerobatic machines. Bob Carlton – FoxJet Sailplane A master of graceful aerobatics, Bob Carlton brings something truly unique: a jet-powered sailplane. The FoxJet combines the serenity of soaring flight with the thrilling punch of jet power, delivering a performance that is equal parts elegance and adrenaline.
• Bill Braack – Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car For fans who love raw speed, the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car delivers in spectacular style. Powered by a jet engine, this ground-shaking rocket car screams down the runway trailing

Additionally, NCAR is pleased to announce three Warbird performers with proud Unlimited racing heritage including:

• Jim Tobul – F4U Corsair “Korean War Hero” One of the most iconic warbirds ever built, Tobul and his Corsair last raced at the 2014 Air Races. Today, Jim Tobul thrills crowds with a powerful routine in his beautifully restored F4U, honoring the aircraft’s combat history and racing legacy alike.
• Palm Springs Air Museum – P-51D Mustang “Bunny” A crowd favorite with a storied past, the Mustang “Bunny” represents the pinnacle of WWII fighters. With its iconic Red Tail design, it now roars through the skies at NCAR in a stirring tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen.
• Palm Springs Air Museum – P-63 King Cobra “Pretty Polly" Rare, sleek, and packing serious horsepower are all words that sum up the P-63 King Cobra. At Roswell, fans will witness this unique Warbird strut its stuff in an exhilarating display of speed and agility rarely seen on the airshow circuit.

Finally, fans can enjoy an impressive lineup of both heritage and modern U.S. military aircraft on static display, offering an up-close look at cutting-edge military technology over the years:

• B-29 FIFI (Commemorative Air Force)
• B-25 Yellow Rose (Commemorative Air Force)
• P-40 Warhawk (Commemorative Air Force)
• AC-130J Ghostrider
• MC-130J Commando II
• T-38 Talon
• T-6 Texan II (Laughlin AFB)
• F-16 Fighting Falcon (Holloman AFB)
• F-35A Lightning II (Laughlin AFB)
• F/A-18 Hornet (VMFA-112 “Cowboys”)

“With Roswell International Air Center’s history of training World War II pilots while it was Walker Air Force Base, we’re thrilled to have the B-29 FIFI join us from the Commemorative Air Force as an ode to those who were trained to fly the Superfortress here,” furthered Telling. “We’re also incredibly grateful for the support of New Mexico’s Air Force Bases, including Holloman and Cannon. This year fans will see F-16s from Holloman AFB for the base’s first display at the National Championship Air Races.”

With these confirmed announcements, other aircraft as well as civilian and warbird performances are pending and will be announced once confirmed. To stay up to date on NCAR 2025 developments and more news about NCAR, sign up for our newsletter at www.airrace.org, or follow Facebook and Instagram.

About the National Championship Air Races

The National Championship Air Races are produced every September by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event was founded in Northern Nevada where it became an institution and the pinnacle of air racing before moving the historic event to Roswell, New Mexico. Aviation enthusiasts from around the world come to the air races to see seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.