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Drone Racing League’s fantasy, virtual drone-racing series takes flight Saturday to fund pandemic relief for healthcare facilities.
The 2020 FanDuel DRL SIM Racing Cup will feature 12 pilots battling it out on the DRL SIM, a true-to-life drone racing simulator.
“Fans tuning in will feel as if they are in the drone’s cockpit as the pros fly digital versions of custom DRL drones through historic DRL maps and never-seen-before tracks, all from their homes around the globe including the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Switzerland,” a DRL statement notes.
“DRL authentically merges the digital with the real, so we’re thrilled to highlight the virtual side of drone racing on NBCSN and Twitter starting this Saturday. The high-speed, futuristic racing combined with daily fantasy is great for the whole family — and it’s all for an amazing charity supporting frontline workers,” newly appointed DRL President Rachel Jacobson said.
All pilots agreed to donate winnings to Direct Relief, the largest charitable provider of protective gear and medical essentials to health facilities in response to COVID-19.
“Direct Relief is so deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment reflected by the Drone Racing League and its players,” said Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief. “This support translates into immediate, practical help, and is such a wonderful example of everyone pulling together and doing whatever we can to protect those who are most vulnerable.”
Fans watching the 2020 DRL FanDuel DRL SIM Racing Cup can enter a free daily fantasy sports contest on FanDuel to win prizes each week. The contest follows FanDuel’s standard daily fantasy format, and racers will earn points for winning each heat and round.
“On the heels of our first-ever fantasy drone racing tournament with DRL last month, we’re excited to dial up the incredible momentum and bring the FanDuel partnership with DRL to a national broadcast stage,” said Kip Levin, President, FanDuel.
“We’re excited to partner with Drone Racing League to showcase some of the world’s top pilots as they compete in the first-ever virtual drone racing series on NBCSN,” said Jeff Macaluso, Senior Director, Programming, NBC Sports.
Schedule
- Saturday, May 16 – 2:30 pm
- Sunday, May 24 – 3 pm
- Sunday, May 31 – 2 pm
- Sunday, June 7 – 2 pm
- Sunday, June 14 – 1 pm
- Saturday, June 20 – 12 pm
- Sunday, June 28 – 12 pm
- Sunday, July 5t – 12 pm
Earlier this year, DRL also unveiled DRL Academy, an innovative STEM program featuring online learning opportunities for students studying science, engineering, and unmanned aircraft technology.