Team ZIC wins the 2025 Outback Air Race

Veteran crew Team ZIC emerged victorious from the 2025 Red Planet Outback Air Race (OAR), after the 15-day event concluded in Carnarvon WA last week.

Flying RV-7A VH-ZIC, crew Scott Palmer and Adam Dean won the event with some precision flying that showed a clean set of heels to other 36 teams vying for line honours.

The national precision time-trial covered a 2000-nm course across 10 outback airstrips from Yulara to Carnarvon, raising a record $1 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

For Palmer and Dean, their victory marks the culmination of years of teamwork and commitment. The two placed 5th in 2018 and 2nd in 2022.

“To win this race is a huge honour," Palmer said, "but the real win for us is being part of something that helps keep the Flying Doctor in the air.

"A huge acknowledgement is due to all the race teams’ incredible fundraising efforts and record-breaking results."

Since its inception in 1996, the OAR has grown into a national challenge, raising more than $5 million for the RFDS. This year's tally of $1,000,000 in a single event sets a new benchmark.

Peter Williams, CEO of title sponsor Red Planet Software and captain of competing team The Three Amigos, said the money raised would help those living in remote communities.

“Raising $1 million is more than a milestone," he remarked. "It’s a lifeline for people who live, work or travel through outback and rural areas of Australia."

Hot on the heels of Team ZIC were last year's champions Team Wacky Warbos, consisting of OAR stalwarts Ian and Connie Warburton from the ACT. They were a mere 128 points behind the winners after 15 days of competition.

Team Comanche Flyers out of Emerald in QLD took the last place on the podium.

Finishing at the head of the fundraising ladder was Goondiwindi's own Team Tait Auto Group. The crew–David Tait and Lindsey "Red" Johnstone–raised a remarkable $141,037 alone. The two topped-and-tailed the two ladders, winning the fundraising, but placing last in the air.

The OAR results bouyed Race Manager Stuart Payne, who competed himself at the stick of his M20J as part of Team Bad Mooney Rising.

“Every aircraft, every crew, and every supporter played a part in this year’s success,” he said. “The Outback Air Race is about more than flying. It’s about connection, generosity, and keeping the spirit of the outback alive for the communities who need it most.”

More information on the race results are on the 2025 Red Planet Outback Air Race website.

OAR 2025 Top 10 Race Results