Record speed set in qualifying at Reno Air Races

The gates don’t officially open at the 52nd annual Reno National Championship Air Races until Wednesday, but pilots in the six racing classes have already taken to the sky for qualifying runs and biplane pilot Tom Aberle held nothing back on Tuesday morning.

A 10-time Reno champion, Aberle flew his Modified Mong Sport around the course in an average speed of 284.545 mph, breaking his own record for the fastest speed in the Biplane Class. Aberle, of Fallbrook, Calif., had set the record last year with a lap of 274 mph.

Qualifying continues Tuesday and Wednesday morning with heat races getting under way on Wednesday afternoon at Reno-Stead Airport.

In addition to racing in the Formula One, Biplane, T-6, Sport, Unlimited and Jet classes, this year’s event will include the debut of the Breitling Jet Team at Reno and two performances (Saturday and Sunday) of the Pearl Harbor reenactment “Tora, Tora, Tora,” put on by the Commemorative Air Force.

Notable military performers this year include the F-16 Viper Demo/Heritage Flight and USAFA Wings of Blue Jump Team.

This year’s event also includes the return of the “Drone Zone,” where fans can get hand-on interaction with the latest technology in unmanned aerial vehicles.

Closures

Public lands adjacent to and north of Reno-Stead Airport are closed to the public through the duration of the Air Races.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Department and Reno Police Department will work in coordination with the BLM to patrol the closed areas, which are designed to ensure a safety perimeter within the race course area.

If you go

What: Reno National Championship Air Races

When: Wednesday through Sunday, racing starts at 8 a.m.

Where: Reno-Stead Airport

Tickets: Prices vary depending upon seating, pit passes, etc. Call 775-972-6663, get tickets online at www.airrace.org, or at the gate.