Santa Fe Rocket Racing Team of Albuquerque, New Mexico, announces the addition of two new team members. Dave Morss of Redwood City, Calif. has signed on as the team’s Chief Pilot, and Paul Novacek of Albuquerque, N.M. has signed on as Vice-President and Crew Chief.
Dave Morss is well known in the aviation industry for his accomplishments as a race and experimental Test Pilot. He has competed in more races (170) than anyone in the history of Reno Air Racing. He has set course records in Reno and been awarded two Pulitzer Aviation Trophies from the National Aeronautics Association. In total, Dave broke thirteen world speed records, eight of which still stand. Dave also conducts flight testing on aircraft of all types, piloting the first flights on 35 different prototype aircraft.
Dave will be responsible for the testing and racing of the Mark-I racer expected to be delivered soon to the Santa Fe racing team. Dave commented, “I’m always looking to be on the cutting edge of aviation technology, and I see the Rocket Racing League and Team Santa Fe as the next step in the evolution of air racing.”
Paul Novacek has signed on as team Vice-President and Crew Chief. Paul holds a B.S. in Avionics and M.S. in Aviation Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in addition to holding multiple Flight Instructor ratings. He is an active maintenance and avionics technician with over 25 years experience in corporate aircraft and air racing. Paul’s extensive aviation career includes Principle Investigator positions at NASA and as a Human Factors Engineer with Raytheon As Crew Chief, Paul will manage the maintenance, operations and pit crew of the Mark-I and future Mark-II Rocket Racers. Paul commented, “I foresee Rocket Racing and Team Santa Fe as the bleeding edge of technology and one of the most exciting spectator sports to arrive on the scene in quite a long time.”
Team owner, Marc R. Cumbow states, “Dave’s extensive flying background and his unmatched experience as an air racing pilot are going prove to be one of our team’s greatest assets … The other teams will now have a run for their money! This, together with Paul’s engineering background and management experience has put Santa Fe Rocket Racing on track to be a leading force in the Rocket Racing League.”
About the Rocket Racing League
The Rocket Racing League (RRL) is an aerospace entertainment organization, which combines the competition of racing with the excitement of rocketry. RRL is dedicated to providing safe and thrilling experiences for families through live events, television broadcasts and interactive technologies. The league’s mission is to serve as a technology accelerator in the areas of airframe, propulsion and spacecraft design, and reach for the future to inspire the next generation of spaceflight enthusiasts. (www.RocketRacingLeague.com.) Contact: Marc R. Cumbow (505) 767-1000
