As the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues this weekend in Norwalk, Kalitta Motorsports will mark a major milestone for its corporate counterpart: the 25th anniversary of Kalitta Air.

To celebrate the occasion, Shawn Langdon’s Top Fuel dragster will debut a special 25th anniversary livery that will remain on the car for the rest of the 2025 season.

Team owner Connie Kalitta founded Kalitta Air in 2000, turning a one-plane operation into one of the largest cargo airlines in the world. With a fleet that includes Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft, the company has grown significantly from its humble beginnings rooted in motorsports.

“I could not be happier for everyone at Kalitta Air to celebrate 25 years of what we have built together,” Kalitta said. “It makes me very happy to see both the aviation and racing businesses embrace one another and continue to build a strong relationship that benefits both businesses tremendously. It’s the people that make both businesses successful whether that be in the air, or on the track.”

Langdon, the 2013 Top Fuel world champion, has been a fixture at Kalitta Motorsports since 2019 and sees the anniversary as a source of pride for the entire team.

“It is such an honor to race for Connie Kalitta and the Kalitta organization,” Langdon said. “And it’s awesome to be part of Kalitta Air’s 25th anniversary. I’m proud to have Kalitta Air on my car, and I love the look of the 25th anniversary car. We all know what a legend Connie is, and really, for me, there’s nothing better than coming back from a good run or winning a race and seeing that smile on Connie’s face.”

Kalitta’s connection to aviation dates back to 1967 when he began flying a Cessna 310 to deliver automotive parts. He started his first airline using money earned from drag racing.

Kalitta Air officially launched operations in November 2000 after receiving full authority from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. Early contracts included work with the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Defense.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Kalitta Air was the only aircraft in American skies that evening, delivering emergency relief supplies from the West Coast. The company was later honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for its support during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Connie’s vision has always united the best of aviation and racing — two worlds built on speed, precision, and teamwork,” said Heath Nicholl, Kalitta Air’s Acting Vice President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

“But it’s our team members who bring that vision to life every day. Whether on the ramp, in the hangar, or at the starting line, their dedication drives everything we do. This 25th anniversary is a celebration of their hard work, their passion, and the legacy they continue to build.”

In mid-2023, Kalitta Air began leveraging Langdon’s Top Fuel team to support its pilot and mechanic recruitment campaign. The initiative has met expectations and will continue moving forward.