Drones prepare for takeoff in front of the futuristic racetrack. Image via IDRA.
Drones prepare for takeoff in front of the futuristic racetrack. Image via IDRA.

Drone racing may seem like a fringe sport for tinkerers and hobbyists, but the nation’s fastest drone flyer will be crowned on one of the biggest cable channels this summer.

The International Drone Racing Association is coming to ESPN, the Disney-owned sports network announced today. The 2016 U.S. National Drone Racing Championships will be the first event showcased as part of the partnership.

https://youtu.be/4flD2dClWbs

Drone racing, in which pilots don goggles for a first-person drone’s eye view of the race, involves tight turns, navigating obstacles, and fast-paced action in 3D space. Spectators can watch the drones race around the track, or get the first-person perspective on screens around the event or by donning a pair of first-person view goggles themselves.

“Drone racing gives anyone the ability to fly like a superhero,” says Scot Refsland, chairman of the IDRA. “Because everyone can experience the thrill of racing as if they were sitting in the drone cockpit, the sport is skyrocketing. To go from a first ever, US national drone race to partnering with ESPN for international distribution in eight months is truly a sign of great things ahead.”

As ESPN’s popularity falls at the hands of internet video, the cable channel is looking to bring in a wider range of viewers. Drone racing, combining the fast-paced action of NASCAR and Formula 1 with the hacking culture reminiscent of Battle Bots that pushes machines to their limit, may be just the sport the network needs to capture another generation of viewers.

The national championship broadcast will air live in August on ESPN3 (its online channel) and pre-taped races and highlights will air later on the main ESPN channel. ESPN will also broadcast the 2016 World Drone Racing Championships in October, with other races coming to the network after that as part of a multi-year deal. Fans will also be able to stream the races online after they air.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.