Drone racing is gaining popularity in Malaysia, offering a unique experience that combines virtual simulation with the thrilling reality of racing on a track. Fitri Reza, president of the Drone Racing Association Malaysia (DRAM), explains that unlike other sports, drone racing allows players to seamlessly transition between simulations and real-life racing. While racing drones are manually operated via a first-person video feed, traditional drones come with features like auto hover and sensors for easier control. Pilots who wear goggles to experience the drone’s perspective may feel motion sickness, so it is important to adjust to the experience gradually.
Johnson Yap, president of the Drone Racing Club (DRA), was attracted to the hobby due to the feeling of immersion and adrenaline rush from the first-person view. Both Fitri Reza and Yap highlight the importance of practice and training to excel in drone racing. Fitri Reza suggests starting with simulators to build muscle memory before moving on to actual races. However, drone racing can be an expensive hobby, with racing drones ranging from RM1,500 to RM10,000 depending on the components.
Building their own drones is a preferred option for many pilots, as they can customize and upgrade the parts. Basic soldering skills and knowledge of software are required for building and maintaining drones. Racing drone frames are typically made of carbon fiber and 3D-printed components. Simulators like The Drone Racing League Simulator provide affordable and realistic courses for advanced practice.
Fitri Reza emphasizes the need for focus in drone racing, as even a momentary lapse can result in a crash. To help beginners gain hands-on experience, DRAM has built Malaysia’s first public indoor drone racing course. Schools have also shown interest in building their own arenas for school-level leagues. However, awareness of drone racing remains limited, and efforts are being made to promote the sport to attract more participants.
Choy Yuen Yee, director of Magic Beans Alchemy, believes that anyone has the potential to become a skilled drone racer regardless of age or gender. She highlights the success stories of young competitors who have surpassed adult racers in international leagues. However, the main challenge at present is the lack of awareness about drone racing. Efforts are being made to disseminate information and create opportunities for aspiring drone racers in Malaysia.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
