Top 10: The Second World War Fighters Souped-Up for Extreme Air Racing

Key Highlights

• It’s not just racing; it’s the ultimate fusion of history, danger, and adrenaline.10: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Curtiss P-40 WarhawkThe Curtiss P-40E Warhawk, famed for its shark-mouthed nose art and rugged wartime service, found a second life roaring over Reno’s desert skies.
• Once a symbol of wartime grit, it became a rare but thrilling sight among the sleek Mustangs and Bearcats dominating the Unlimited Class air races. Unlike the supercharged, high-altitude racers built later in the war, the P-40E was a tough, low-to-mid-altitude fighter, never the fastest — but its broad wings, throaty Allison engine, and unmistakable silhouette made it unforgettable.
• Racers who chose the Warhawk prized its stability and character, favouring heritage over outright performance.10: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Curtiss P-40 WarhawkTo compete, mechanics stripped out armour, guns, and unnecessary weight, tuned the Allison V-1710 for maximum output, and polished every inch of its metal to minimise drag.
• Some even fitted larger props and fuel tweaks, wringing every last knot from its classic frame.
• The transformation kept the Warhawk’s soul but pushed its limits. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementP‑40s have occasionally raced at Reno, often in the Bronze or Unlimited classes.