High Speed and Fun at Utah’s First Official Drone Race

Drone racing is quickly spreading as a new exciting sport-hobby and it has come to Utah with the first qualifying race for the Utah Cup which was put on by Drones Ect.  A total of over 26 racers participated in event which took place at Warm Springs Park in Salt Lake City.  Pilots navigated their racing machines along courses marked with cones and flags, and zipped around trees and other obstacles.

The event held three class competitions:
– 250 3s : max frame size 285mm MTM, max battery 3s, max prop 5″ 2 or 3 blade
– 300 unlimited : max frame size 330mm MTM, max battery 4s, 2 blade prop max 6″, 3 blade prop max 5″
– freestyle

The Utah Cup is a qualifier race for the International Drone Racing Association’s California Cup in November.

The above video by Furadi gives a good show of the course layout and difficulty.  According to him it was his first heat in the open class flying a Racehound with the following set-up:
– Hovership Zuul Racehound 265
– Gemfan Bullnose 5045
– Rebel Batteries

Great fast flying Furadi !

Another group holding drone racing events is the Aerial Sports League.
Here is a video from their March 2015 event : VIDEO
Also, their Sept 2015 event at the World Maker Faire New York : VIDEO

Here is a review of the Hovership Zuul Racehound 285 you may find helpful. Gimbal Guy gives a good, short review.