Drone racing to be staged in Grimsby

THIS weekend will play host to a unique sporting event that’s really taking off.

On Sunday, the FPV Racing League will be welcoming a new type of racing to Grimsby.

FPV (First Person View) drones go up to 60mph and make for an exhilarating watch.

A drone racing competition will be held at Grimsby Town Cricket Club, from noon until 6pm.

Expect to see 15 to 20 pilots go head-to-head in the first event of its kind in the area.

One of the pilots taking part in the event is one of the favourites for the upcoming UK National Championships – and he’s only 15.

There will be different heats where winners will go through to a quarter-final, semi-final and then the grand final.

The sport really started kicking off in the US two years ago and it’s now flown across the pond to Europe.

The FPV Racing League was established in the UK six months ago and the organisation is planning more events up and down the country. They will next be appearing at the Drone Show, at Birmingham NEC, proof the sport is really on the up.

The event will include demonstrations and passenger rides.

This will allow people the chance to see what it is the driver sees when the drone takes to the skies.

Ben Cairns, the race director, said: “The action is very close.

“Sometimes the drones end up hitting each other.

“It’s very fast-paced and exciting.

“Blades end up hitting each other and the action really hots up.

“When you experience it for yourself you see what it’s all about. People will also be able to see acrobatics and freestyle.

“We want to welcome anyone to come along and see what it’s all about.

“The sport is only going to get bigger and bigger.”

A barbecue and public bar will also be available.

To enter as a pilot costs £5.

Get in there quick before the drones take off.

For more information go to www.carbonrc.co.uk/race or www.bfpvrl.org

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Drone-racing-staged-Grimsby/story-26908394-detail/story.html