First legal drone race in Kempton this weekend
Racing will start at 9am and there will be three classes to compete in
HURTLING at 110km/h around tight corners and narrow straightaways, jostling for position against other racers, The Hobby Centre introduces the first legal drone race to take place at Barnstormers Model Aircraft Club on February 28.
Barnstormers are located on the R25 just north of Serengeti and the drone race is held legally under the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA) banner.
The outdoor course where competitors will be racing is 250m overall. The course has a main straight of about 80m and a number of left and right turns in the mid-field.
“Casual drone racing has been running since last year. Our club is the first SAMAA endorsed race venue where an actual series and points league will be running. There are monthly races where competitors score points toward the series finals at the end of the year and we are looking for our first series champion,” explained Gary McDonogh, owner at Hobby Centre.
McDonogh said the drones that would be racing were between 150mm and 330mm in diameter and should have first person view (FPV) equipment installed.
Racing will start at 9am and there will be three classes to compete in, Formula 200, Formula 250 and the FAI Class (FAI is the international class used for world class racing).
Pilots can register on the day and small prizes will be given to podium winners.
Spectators are welcome and entrance will be free. Own refreshments are welcome.
“Drone racing is the fastest growing sector in model aviation worldwide. To such an extent that a one million dollar prize has been offered for a race to be held later this year in Dubai,” said McDonogh.
For more information or first time entries, call Gary on 011-972-9134 or 083-269-6785.
