Pilots from all over Australia gathered on the Gold Coast for the inaugural Australian Drone Nationals last weekend, all aiming for the big prize of qualification for the World Drone Racing Championships to be held in Hawaii this October. 17-year-old Thomas Bitmatta from Melbourne ended up cleaning house and claiming victory, earning himself the title of Australian drone champion.
Thomas wasn’t the only sub 18-year-old at the event, however, as other pilots like 12-year-old Rudi Browning from Brisbane also participated. Drone racing is certainly a sport where people of any age can compete, but it certainly seems the younger pilots are proving themselves to be the most formidable opponents. From Thomas in the Australian Drone Nationals to Luke Bannister winning multiple large racing events, there are some young names making a splash in the racing scene.
Thomas ended up racing in the Australian nationals with his father and fellow pilot by his side. He’s currently treating drone racing as a hobby, preferring to enjoy the social aspect of the competition. “It’s awesome. It’s like a Zen for me and brings me into the now, in my own little word,” he said. Obviously, however, he still managed to take the race seriously enough to take home the grand prize.
For more information on the pilots and the event, check out the original article here.
For the competition results as well as more event information, check out The competition page here