Reno racer Jeff Lavelle set a new speed record during qualifications at the National Championship Air Races near Reno last month by flying the course at 357.683 mph.
Lavelle’s Glasair III is a factory-stock airplane powered by a twin turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine developed by Grant Semanskee of Snohomish, Wash.
“Glasairs are known to be one of the best sport planes on the market—strong and fast—but I think it’s now clear to everyone that Glasairs are really fast.” Lavelle said after his recording-breaking flight. His race airplane is factory supported.
Lavelle flies year round for both business and pleasure. “The Glasair III is amazingly versatile,” Lavelle said. “It’s incredibly strong yet very comfortable. My turbo-III will climb at over 3,000 fpm and cruise at up to 340 mph. I don’t know of any other sport plane that does so many things as well as the Glasair III.”
The Glasair was the first pre-molded composite aircraft kit offered. More than 300 are flying in countries around the world.
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