Longmont pilot Matt Menza is a rookie in the National Championship Air Races, but he already looks like a seasoned veteran.
The NCAR is the gold standard for aircraft racing in the world. Races involve up to eight planes flying side by side, as low as 50 feet from the ground, at speeds up to 500 miles per hour as they navigate around a course marked by 50-foot-high pylons.
Menza, a former Navy Pilot, had his first race on Wednesday when he completed in a five-plane heat — the first of three qualifying races before the weekend’s championship races. He completed the six-lap race with a respectable 3rd place finish. But that wasn’t Matt’s most impressive accomplishment…
He narrowly edged Houston pilot Mark Davis, who won last year’s Silver Medal in the jet class. Menza beat Davis by just 0.4 seconds.
Thursday’s qualifying race was even more thrilling. Menza would eventually beat Davis again, this time by a stunning 0.002 seconds.
The top speed for both racers? Over 393 miles per hour.
Flying high
Menza will race again at 12:20 p.m. today. The Silver Medal Race will be at 4:25 on Saturday, where Menza is most likely to end his run. The Gold Medal Race will be at 5:15 p.m. Sunday. Start times may change so be sure to check here for updates. Look for Menza in in the Jet Class category.