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Destefani claims another Reno Air Race title

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997 | 9:43 a.m.

STEAD, Nev. -- Leaking oil on his windscreen did not stop pilot Bill Destefani from claiming another championship at the Reno National Championship Air Races.

Destefani, of Bakersfield, Calif., topped 453 mph in the Unlimited Gold division to take home his fifth championship in six years.

"Sometimes here at Reno, you just get lucky," Destafani said.

The victory came despite an oil leak that splattered the windscreen of his modified P-51, Strega.

About 170,000 people attended the four-day event that concluded on Sunday at Stead Airport, race organizers said.

Brian Sanders, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., took second place in Sea Fury after Lyle Shelton, of Reno, was penalized for cutting inside a pylon.

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