{"id":7022,"date":"2024-01-16T19:04:14","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/?p=7022"},"modified":"2024-01-23T19:17:55","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T19:17:55","slug":"what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare-for-a-fpv-drone-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-essentials\/what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare-for-a-fpv-drone-race\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect and How to Prepare for an FPV Drone Race"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drone races are one of the most exhilarating parts of the hobby. Pilots go head-to-head racing for trophies, prizes, and, most importantly, bragging rights.<\/span> Events are held across the globe by local MultiGP chapters and international racing leagues like the Drone Racing League (DRL), Drone Champions League (DCL), and the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration A\u00e9ronautique Internationale (FAI). The three-letter leagues often have the most elite drone racers competing, but do not let that intimidate you – many have open tryouts that give anyone the ability to make a roster spot. Getting to the point where you try out may take a little while, especially if you are just getting started drone racing. Here is how I prepare for a drone race and what you can expect at a drone race.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The game before the game – Practice, practice, practice<\/b><\/p>\n

Nobody who is anybody ever started as a professional on day one. The road to the podium starts at your workbench and simulator. Take your time building your racing drones; the goal is to make them reliable BEFORE you make them go fast. There is no point in having a fast drone that works perfectly once. If you plan to fly outdoors, consider conformal coating the flight stack or using a stack saver to prevent debris from causing electrical issues. GetFPV offers solutions like \u201cWorry Free FPV Coating.\u201d Alternatively, you can purchase MG Chemicals Silicone Conformal Coating.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>If you want the stand so you don\u2019t spill a new bottle all over the place, it is available on Thingiverse <\/span><\/i>here<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span>
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Take time to get familiar with your aircraft too. Once you find a setup that works for you, make your other drones as identical as you can. Consistency is important, especially if one drone breaks – the replacement will perform the exact same way. Charge some batteries, and go out and fly. Learn the limits of your ability and SLOWLY try and improve your skill. Do not be afraid to crash, either! The saying goes, \u201c<\/span>If you ain\u2019t crashin\u2019, you ain\u2019t improving!\u201d <\/span><\/i>Get used to making field repairs, too, when at a drone race, you will not have your fancy workbench there with you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another training method I use is a flight simulator. There is a great write-up on <\/span>The Role of Simulators in FPV Training on our website<\/span><\/a>. Personally, I recommend Velocidrone, but there are other amazing simulators, like The DRL Sim or DCL, that you can use. There are weekly online racing leagues that host events almost every day of the week. I have included links to the events\u2019 Discord servers. Keep an eye out for special multi-week events that will be announced throughout the year and are posted to the different servers. Currently, the weekly schedule looks like this:<\/span><\/p>\n

Tuesday<\/span><\/p>\n