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WA-based Team ZIC has won the 2025 Outback Air Race, which this year raised a record $1,000,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Team ZIC, who placed fifth in 2018 and second in 2022, recorded multiple near-perfect legs, finishing in the top two on six of the nine segments. Racers Scott Palmer and Adam Dean defeated 36 other teams in the precision time-trial, where scoring depended on timing and positional accuracy.
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The pilots flew in a 20-year-old Van’s RV-7A light aircraft, VH-ZIC.
“To win this race is a huge honour—but the real win for us is being part of something that helps keep the Flying Doctor in the air,” said Team ZIC’s Scott Palmer.
“A huge acknowledgement is due to all the race teams’ incredible fundraising efforts and record-breaking results.”
The 2025 Outback Air Race took off from Yulara, NT, on 22 August and concluded in Carnarvon, WA, on 8 September, with stops at Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine (RAAF Tindal), Kununurra, Broome, Onslow, and Exmouth, for a total length of more than 3,800km.
The race is held every three years, and has raised more than $5 million for the RFDS since its inception in 1996.
“Every aircraft, every crew, and every supporter played a part in this year’s success,” said Stuart Payne, race manager.
“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.”
Previous champions the Wacky Warbos (Connie and Ian Warburton) placed second overall, with a score of 14,168 to Team ZIC’s 14,296, while the fundraising battle was won by Team Tait Auto Group with $141,037.
“With its 12th edition complete, the Red Planet Software Outback Air Race has once again proven the power of aviation to connect, inspire, and give back,” organisers said in a press release.
“The journey may have ended in Carnarvon, but its impact will continue across the remote towns and outback airstrips that rely on the RFDS every day.”
The previous event was held in 2022 after COVID-19 forced its postponement from 2021, and raised around $750,000.
