Ready, Set, Drone Racing!

Do you have a need for speed? Then this is the episode for you! Tune in and discover the innovative science behind the Drone Racing League, a high-speed competition that is using first person view flight to create a new era in sports. Chief Operating Officer Ashley Ellefson joins us to share insights about the intricate technology and engineering that propels the drone racing competitions into a futuristic league of their own. Get to know why millions of people gather worldwide to witness the Drone Racing League’s fast paced events and find out how you can get involved and even become a drone racing pilot yourself. Plus, Ashley gives us a sneak peek at how artificial intelligence applied to drones could add even more of a rush to the future of this sport.Learn how the FAA is collaborating with drone industry partners like the Drone Racing League to safely integrate complex drone events into the National Airspace System. Make haste and share this episode with colleagues, friends, family and anyone intrigued by this high-tempo and high-tech sport that has paved the way in the world of aerospace sports. Meet Our Guest:   Ashley Ellefson is the Chief Operating Officer at the Drone Racing League, the world’s premier, professional drone racing property, where she oversees the event production, technology and media teams. Honored as a Leaders 40 Under 40 member, Cynopsis Sports Top Women in Sports and Connect Sports Game Changer, she’s helped DRL create a new era of sport through cutting edge technology, world-class media, and event production, bringing high-speed drone racing across real-life and virtual courses. Prior to DRL, she served as the Vice President of New Event Development at Tough Mudder, where she developed and codified all of their event operation standards including health and safety, vendor management, and live event on-site operations.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.