National Championship Air Races Announce 2025 Airshow Performer Lineup and Military Displays

The National Championship Air Races have unveiled a powerhouse 2025 airshow lineup for their Roswell debut, featuring top aerobatic performers, historic Warbirds, and modern U.S. military aircraft. From Jim Peitz’s aerobatic Bonanza and Philipp Steinbach’s GameBird to the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Mustang Bunny and B-29 FIFI, fans can expect five days of nonstop aerial excitement alongside the world’s fastest motorsport.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Unlimited Class P-63 #63 ‘Pretty Polly’ rolls past the home pylon. Photo by Gary Daniels, 2023)
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Following the recent reveal of its highly anticipated competitor lineup, the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) has announced an equally impressive roster of airshow performers and military static displays for its 2025 debut in Roswell, September 10–14. Fans can expect nonstop excitement both on the racecourse and in the skies, with aerobatic acts, historic Warbirds, and modern military aircraft providing entertainment between race heats. “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, 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.”

Roswell pylon National Championship Air Races Joanne Murray
Roswell Pylon. Photo by Joanne Murray

Civilian Performers

The 2025 airshow lineup features some of the most dynamic civilian acts in aviation:

  • Jim Peitz – F33C Aerobatic Bonanza
    A master of precision flying, Peitz transforms the Beechcraft F33C Bonanza into a high-energy aerobatic machine, performing rolls, hammerheads, and tumbling maneuvers that push the aircraft to its limits.

  • Philipp Steinbach – GB-1 GameBird
    Designer and pilot of the GameBird, Steinbach showcases his creation with lightning-fast tumbles, razor-sharp rolls, and smooth precision flying in a routine that highlights why the GameBird is one of today’s premier aerobatic aircraft.

  • Bob Carlton – FoxJet Sailplane
    Carlton brings elegance and adrenaline together with the FoxJet, a jet-powered sailplane that blends the serenity of soaring with the thrill of jet propulsion.

  • Bill Braack – Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car
    On the ground, Braack’s jet-powered car roars down the runway in a dramatic race against aircraft overhead—a spectacle of fire, smoke, and raw speed.

Warbird Performers

Adding history and horsepower, NCAR will also feature three Warbird demonstrations, each with a connection to the Unlimited Class racing legacy:

  • Jim Tobul – F4U Corsair “Korean War Hero”
    A legendary warbird last seen racing in 2014, Tobul’s Corsair delivers a powerful aerial tribute to its combat and racing heritage.

  • Palm Springs Air Museum – P-51D Mustang “Bunny”
    Sporting the iconic Red Tail design, “Bunny” honors the Tuskegee Airmen with a stirring display of WWII fighter performance.

  • Palm Springs Air Museum – P-63 King Cobra “Pretty Polly”
    Sleek, rare, and powerful, “Pretty Polly” showcases the unique agility of the King Cobra—an aircraft seldom seen on today’s airshow circuit.

Both Palm Springs aircraft have competed in Unlimited Class racing, including the final Reno Air Races in 2023, making their return in Roswell especially meaningful.

Military Static Displays

Fans will also have the chance to explore an extensive collection of heritage and modern U.S. military aircraft on static display, including:

  • Commemorative Air Force aircraft: B-29 FIFI, B-25 Yellow Rose, and P-40 Warhawk

  • U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft: 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), and F/A-18 Hornet (VMFA-112 “Cowboys”)

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Jim Tobul in his beautiful F4U-4 (photo via Greg Leach)

“With Roswell International Air Center’s history of training World War II pilots while it was Walker Air Force Base, we’re thrilled to welcome the B-29 FIFI as a tribute to those who trained to fly the Superfortress here,” Telling added. “We’re also deeply grateful for the support of New Mexico’s Air Force Bases, including Holloman and Cannon. Fans will see F-16s from Holloman AFB, marking the base’s first display at the National Championship Air Races.” Additional performers and displays will be announced as they are confirmed. For updates on NCAR 2025 or to purchase tickets, visit www.airrace.org

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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.