Aberle wins Reno air races, sets speed record

Tom Aberle won the Sport Biplane class at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, and also set a speed record for his division.

Aberle qualified at an average speed of 249 mph, breaking the record of 241.05 mph he set in 2004. In the Gold Race September 17 Aberle bettered his qualifying mark, establishing a new record at 251.958 mph. Aberle also won both heat races.

“We were using a different propeller this year, which turned out to be the right thing to do,” Aberle said.

The plane also had other minor modifications from its last race, which was the 2005 National Championship Air...