If you don't already have an expensive but super-fun hobby, you may want to look into high-speed drone racing.

Hear that buzzing sound? No, the bees aren't fighting back in response to their growing extinction. That is the sound of drones speeding through the air. It seems Coloradans are getting into the growing trend of high-speed drone racing, and drone fan or not, you need to check this out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSZmSNL_0r8 Yes, that is real life -- not some video game or simulation. Those are actual drones speeding through a legit drone racing course. The Fort Collins Drone Enthusiasts kicked off their first official drone race on Sunday, July 23. For these high speed drone races, a course is built and racers prep themselves with special goggles that allow them to fully immerse themselves in the race experience.

It's called FPV racing, or First Person View. Each drone is mounted with a lightweight camera that allows the racers to see what the drone sees in real time. The complete immersive experience allows the racers to navigate around the usually complicated and intricate courses with ease. If you've never seen a professional race, no worries, I had the pleasure of being entertained by one at the gym when I couldn't find the remote to change the channel on the TV. Surprisingly, it was extremely entertaining and stress-inducing! Racers are in one location while their drones zoom off, and they get a first-person view of what their drone sees. Just like the video above, or for a more mellow version, watch this: https://youtu.be/cLi6rvwUbzE

Video: Charpu, French racer noted as one of the first great stunt FPV pilots

As the drones zoom, the racers have to expertly navigate through the complicated course, diving and rising, going through small openings and obstacles, twisting and turning, and of course, doing their best to avoid collisions. Racing drones are nothing like other quadcopters you'll typically see. These little buggers aren't designed to take landscape photos or hover over factory farms. These drones were created for speed and agility. They can dive, tumble, turn on a dime, and push speeds up to 80 mph. Amateur races, like the one the Fort Collins Drones Enthusiast Club organized, are typically held in parks, abandoned buildings, cave systems, or bike paths. The courses are only limited by one's imagination ... well, and the law, obviously. What do you think about drone racing? Would you check out a race for yourself? We want to hear your thoughts!

Featured image curtesy of DroneTrader.com

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