Drone racers put their machines to the test at farm’s ‘hidden valley’
DRONE racers competed in an obstacle course-style event in a new craze.
Enthusiasts gathered on the J & P Carr Farms estate near Balsdean, Brighton to compete over three courses in the “Hidden Valley” and put their hovering machines to the test.
Aside from just flying their gadgets remotely, though, participants wear special goggles which pick up a live video footage from a signal from cameras on their drones so they feel as if they are actually gliding themselves.
Fes Askari, marketing manager for First Person View, behind the sport and hobby of wearing the goggles, said racers would be “left shaking” after finishing their events, having been fully immersed.
He told The Argus: “When the guys take their goggles off, their hands are shaking. The adrenaline is really pumping.
“That is the feel of it. It is its own unique sport with its own rush.
“You could ride a motocross bike or drive a car – or you could fly a drone. It’s a different feeling and completely surreal. A growing number of people want to experience this now.”
The event was organised by the Sussex First Person View Racing and Drone Club, led by Dom Robinson and Simon Dale.
