Reno Air Race Champion on Optimizing Human and Machine Performance--Andy Findlay

My guest today is Andy Findlay, the 2018 Reno Air Race Champion. The race, officially known as the National Air Race Championships, is a multi-day event that takes place every September. It is billed as "the worlds fastest motor sport." The highly modified aircraft often reach speeds in excess of 400 mph, often just feet from each other. Andy has raced competitively for most of his life--downhill skiing, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and now airplanes. He has flow over 20 different types of aircraft and has a background in engine development. He was the 2013 "rookie of the year" and is now the reigning sport-class champion.Two things stood out to me about Andy--his engineering expertise and his passion for understanding the mental side of peak performance. His engineering background is evident as he discusses how he gains an incremental advantage with each modification to the plane. It was also fascinating to hear how he trains mentally to perform his best on race day. In this episode we talk about, in order:What is sport-class racing (min. 2:45)How he got involved in racing (min. 4:00)Why it's so difficult for a prop plane to go 400mph (min. 6:15)What happens if a prop goes supersonic (min. 8:45)Engine development (min. 9:15)Engine blowing up (min. 14:00)What a Reno race is like (min. 17:30)Race strategies (min. 19:30)Losing a friend while flying (min. 21:00)Training required (min. 23:30)Reno Race debrief (min. 25:30)What it's like to be the champion (min. 29:15)Breaking the 400mph barrier (min. 35:30)Strengths of the plane, team, and him (min. 38:00)Getting into a flow state (min. 40:30)Performing at peak performance (min. 42:00)How much faster he can go (min. 49:30)Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Check out all the interviews at https://www.professionalsplaybook.comInstagram-- @justinfighterpilotFacebook--@justinfighterpilot

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*Ranked a "2019 Top Podcast* This is a podcast that brings transparency to top performers, careers, and topics. My name is Hasard Lee. I'm an active F-35 fighter pilot for the Air Force. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that you have to be selective with who you listen to--there's a lot of noise out there. The goal of this podcast is to find experts who are at the top of their field to share their insights based on credibility and experience. About the Host:"Major Lee has 9 years of experience flying both the F-16 and F-35. In 2016, he was selected as the 'Top Instructor Pilot of the Year' for the Air Force's largest F-16 Combat Wing. In 2017, he returned from Afghanistan where his squadron dropped the most ordnance since the opening days of the war. He's flown 82 combat missions and has 4 Air Medals."