China comes calling for Benonian drone racer

When most people think about drones we think of those white mainstream drones that slowly cruise up into the air capturing aerial photographs and videos.

Some might even have negative connotations around drones, believing that ‘Peeping Toms’ use them to spy on people and their property.

For people like Rynfield resident and financial planner Devon Barnett there is just so much more to drones than those unfavourable associations.

Barnett is one of five South Africans who will be jetting off to the first World Drone Racing Championships in Shenzhen, China, in November.

The former Benoni High School learner can regularly be spotted, donning goggles, flying his first-person view (FPV) racing drone at CR Swart Park through gates and flags set up on a course.

He is usually accompanied by a group of 10 or so drone racing enthusiasts who meet at the park to race.

As opposed to mainstream photography drones, FPV racing drones can broadcast first-person-views to pilots wearing virtual reality (VR) goggles, giving the pilot the feeling that he is actually inside the drone.

Some newcomers even express feelings of vertigo or tunnel vision after wearing the goggles.

“The sport is new and it is picking up in South Africa,” said Barnett.

“About two years ago I saw a few guys on YouTube flying and racing through a forest and ever since I saw that I was hooked.

“Sometimes you can have up to eight guys on a track at the same time.

“We set up a whole bunch of gates and flags, similar to Red Bull racing that a lot of us would know, and you do ‘X’ amount of laps around the track.

“The first person across the finish line wins.”

Unlike the average photography drone, FPV racing drones are stripped down with no GPS onboard in an effort to generate pure power to go as fast as possible.

The word ‘fast’ is an understatement. These drones can reach speeds of 200km/h in a matter of seconds and are quite difficult to keep track of with the naked eye.

“We fly around at 200km/h with absolutely no danger posed to ourselves because we’re actually just sitting in our chairs along the side of the track.

“I always wanted to be a racing driver, but now I can get a similar thrill without the hazards,” added Barnett.

The Benonian believes that FPV drone racing is the future of sport.

“Some of the guys who race with us are between the ages of 35 and 45 years old while others are straight out of school or still in school.

“It’s a level playing field.

“Instead of playing video games inside all day, kids can race drones.

“Although it is similar [to video games], it’s a great way to get outdoors and spend some time in the sun.

“I have also learned a lot about electronics because of it.”

Asked what he expects from the world championships, Barnett said: “It is going to be tough.

“The competition in South Africa is not at the same level as overseas.

“It will be difficult for us as a team, but that’s how we’ll get better.”

The drone racer suggested that if you are interested in learning about or taking up the sport, visit ‘FPV Drone Racing RSA’ on Facebook or visit a local hobby store for more information.

LISTEN to Logie G’s interview with Barnett on Caxton Radio Benoni here:

https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/caxton-radio-benoni-logie-g-speaks-to-drone-racer-devon-barnett

ALSO WATCH:

Breath-taking drone footage of South Africa

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