Flying planes is a risk. Racing planes while just 50 feet above the ground in the fastest, most elite race in the world is a little riskier.
In less than two weeks, Longmont resident Tom Cruise Matt Menza will be in Roswell, New Mexico competing with some of the fastest planes and pilots in the world at the National Championship Air Races.
Billed as “The fastest show on Earth,” the competition is the gold standard for aircraft racing in the world. The races involve up to eight planes flying side by side, as low as 50 feet from the ground and as high as 250 feet, at speeds up to 500 miles per hour, flying laps around a course marked by 50-foot-high pylons.
It’s not easy.
Or safe. Most recently, two pilots died in 2023 when their planes collided in mid-air. Before that, a crash in 2011 killed a pilot, ten spectators, and injured more than 70.
But, Menza knows what he’s doing:
He’s a former Navy pilot with over 20 years of service, 397 carrier landings and four combat deployments.
He’s logged more than 8,000 flight hours in over 60 aircraft types.
Though Menza is a veteran in the cockpit, once he arrives in Roswell, he’ll be a rookie.
“It’s exciting,” Menza said. “This is bringing me back down to something new that I can learn…We fly low and fast in the military but we’re not doing it at 50 feet around pylons where we have to manage five other airplanes around us in close proximity. Little nervous about it.”
Price of a passion:
But, flying in these races requires more than courage. You need money.
Entry fees alone are nearly $2000.
Plane fuel will cost roughly $25,000.
Not to mention hotels, food, and all other costs of travel.
Menza had to take out a loan to fund the venture.
If you’d like to support the Menza family, individuals can check out their GoFundMe where you can donate and learn more information. Businesses interested in sponsoring Matt can reach out directly to Tara Menza.
Menza is the first person from Longmont and Boulder County to compete in the race. He’ll be flying his L-39C Albatros. The air races take place September 16-20. You can tune in for the live coverage of the races on Facebook Live, YouTube and on airrace.org.