For Andrew Findlay, aviation isn't just a career—it's in his blood. Growing up with a father who was a pilot and being introduced to the excitement of the Reno Air Races as a child, Andrew developed a passion for flying early on. Now, with 22 years of piloting under his belt and an extensive background in various types of racing, Andrew Findlay is an accomplished air race pilot who's constantly pushing the limits of speed and precision in the skies.
Andrew’s path into air racing is as thrilling as the sport itself. A natural competitor, he’s raced in nearly every medium—from downhill skiing and snowmobiles to motorcycles. But air racing brought a new level of intensity. Transitioning from general aviation to air racing wasn't easy, especially with many competitors hailing from military aviation backgrounds. However, Andrew’s prior racing experience gave him an edge. His ability to focus under pressure and his drive to win became his greatest assets, and soon he found himself a champion in sport class air racing.
"Coming from a general aviation background to air racing was intimidating," he admits. "But the training was incredible, and the techniques I picked up from other racers helped me get to where I am today." Findlay credits much of his success to his engineering background, which allowed him to refine and push the performance of his aircraft’s engine. Still, Andrew is quick to acknowledge that air racing is never a solo endeavor. “The true success of the team comes from the amazing group of people who support our drive to go faster,” he says.
One particularly memorable experience for Andrew was his first flight around the pylons at the Reno Air Races with mentor Lee Behel. “Coming toward the home pylons, it felt like time stood still. It was one of those moments in life where you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be,” he recalls. The memory is bittersweet, though, as Lee tragically passed away when his wing failed in a race. Nevertheless, the lessons Andrew learned from Behel, along with intense rivalries with other racers like Jeff Lavelle, continue to fuel his passion for air racing.
Findlay’s air race team, One Moment Air Racing, embodies the idea of being fully present—both in life and in the cockpit. “When you’re flying, everything else melts away, and you’re completely immersed in that one moment,” he says. This philosophy extends to the challenges he’s faced in air racing, from engine limitations to the constant battle to maximize speed. Over the years, Andrew’s team has worked tirelessly on engine development, increasing the power of their aircraft and overcoming each obstacle with ingenuity and determination. This relentless pursuit of improvement has led to innovative solutions, such as custom fuel pumps and stronger pistons to handle the immense pressure that comes with tripling engine power.
What sets Andrew’s aircraft apart from the competition is not only his expertise but also the cutting-edge modifications made to his plane. His Lancair Legacy, named 1Moment, is a sleek, carbon fiber aircraft powered by a twin-turbo Continental 550 engine. Andrew and his team have reshaped the fuselage, clipped the wings, and added more carbon for strength, all in pursuit of speed. With a custom propeller from McCauley, the aircraft is designed to harness the immense power of the engine while maintaining reliability, giving Andrew a significant competitive edge.
As Andrew gears up for the upcoming Sport Class Air Races in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the excitement is palpable. Last year’s demo race at the venue was a success, and now, with multiple heats and top competitors like Tom McNerney and Peter Balmer joining the fray, the stakes are higher than ever. Las Cruces, with its open spaces and multiple runways, has quickly become a favorite among sport class air racers, and the course’s flexibility allows pilots to test their skills and strategy, making it an exciting challenge. Fans can attend the race in Las Cruces on October 19 and 20, 2024, or watch the event via livestream.
Beyond air racing, Andrew has teamed up with Method Seven, known for producing high-performance eyewear—an ideal partner for a pilot who pushes high-performance aircraft to their limits. Together, they’ve designed a limited edition sunglasses frame in 1Moment orange, tailored specifically for aviators. “It’s great to work with Method Seven—they bring a fresh marketing perspective to aviation and eyewear. Their technology and quality align with what we, as aviators, expect,” says Andrew. For him, this collaboration is about more than just creating a product; it’s about partnering with a brand that shares his passion for excellence and innovation.
Despite the challenges and the ever-present focus on safety, the camaraderie and teamwork keep Andrew coming back to the racecourse year after year. "What makes air racing special is the people—the brilliant minds and inspiring individuals that make this sport what it is," he reflects. And his message to aspiring air race pilots? “Go chase the dream. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, just get started.”
Looking to the future, Andrew sees air racing as more than just a niche sport. He envisions it as a platform for inspiring the next generation of aviators and engineers. "Aviation is so much more than just getting on an airline to go somewhere—it's the ultimate showcase of engineering, human performance, and teamwork,” he explains. His dream is to expand air racing into a multi-race series, reaching broader audiences and capturing the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts around the world.
With the upcoming Las Cruces race on the horizon and a new collaboration with Method Seven underway, Andrew Findlay continues to push the limits of air racing, embodying the spirit of innovation and passion that defines this high-octane sport.
Andrew would like to thank his sponsors: McCauley Propellers, VP Racing Fuels, Thermodynamic Sciences, Airframes Inc, Advanced Aviation, Eastern Aero, SDS EFI, Dynon Avionics, Lift Aviation, AeroLEDs, Beringer Aero, Ladd Gardner Insurance, Custom Ink.
To learn more about Andrew Findlay and One Moment Air Racing, please visit the One Moment team website, Facebook and Instagram.
Find out how you can attend the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo here.
For all things Sport Class Air Racing, be sure to visit their website here.
