It’s basically a miniature NASCAR with propellers and a heck of a lot less danger. To pilots, at least.
The Drone Racing League (DRL) is attempting to create an audience for an internet-broadcasted event featuring skilled drone pilots flying their drones through “epic courses,” calling it “the sport of the future.” Which may prove to be true, should they create single-seat manned quadcopter vehicles like China hopes to bring to the world populace.
As it currently stands, the "sport" actually more exciting than it may sound. The pilots are flying based on a first-person view (FPV) thanks to a specialized headset that’s wirelessly connected to the drone.
"Flying these things is like a drug -- when you experience the sensation once, you want to do it again and again," said DRL pilot Ryan Gury. "Since the beginning of time, people have looked at birds and said, 'I wish I could do that.' And the beauty of this is you can fly.”
In the trailer for the DRL’s 2016 season, you can immerse yourself in the race with a blend of pilot views and dramatic camera shots of drones flying through obstacles.
The pilots have even studied some of the aerobatic maneuvers of war pilots, hopefully adding a lot of excitement with the brandishing of a pilot’s individual skills and flair.
"We've literally read World War II military manuals," Gury claimed, "and studied dog-fighting maneuvers -- things like the 540 Immelmann. The Split S is another. Pitch flips and roll flips and barrel rolls, all stuff documented from the 1950s or earlier.”
"It's a completely immersive experience," stated DRL founder Nick Horbaczewski. "There's no reason this can't become a major sport," Horbaczewski insists. "It's got everything. Speed. Excitement. Tech. I really think it can be huge.”
Matt Higgins, RSE Ventures CEO, told CNBC, "The sky is the limit. I don't know where it [drone racing] is going, but it's going somewhere."
The DRL already had their preseason event. They have planned six races, the first set to air on Feb. 22. The final race in the season will decide the world champion FPV drone pilot.
Watch the trailer here: