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High-tech quadcopters will battle for champion status at the Rand Show 2017

The Rand Show is excited to be hosting the 2017 championships of a sport that some have likened to Formula One racing, just in three dimensions.

On the last two days of the Rand Show 2017, from 22-23 April, the airspace above the Rand Show Arena will be buzzing with drones participating in the 2017 SA Drone Open Class Nationals, an event run by Fly FPV SA, a special interest group under the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA).

Drone racing, or officially First Person View (FPV) racing, is the fastest-growing ‘techno-sport’ in the world. In this sport, high-tech drones, or quadcopters, compete against each other in edge-of-your-seat races around a prescribed race track, passing through arched gates and around flags and obstacles at speeds of over 150 km/h.

Pilots get an up-close (and often stomach-churning) view of the breakneck action through futuristic video goggles which relay a wireless video feed from the tiny camera mounted on their radio-controlled quadcopters.

WHO WILL BE CHAMP?

The 2017 SA Drone Open Class Nationals at the Rand Show will begin with qualifier races on Thursday and Friday, 20-21 April, on a track behind the main arena.

On the closing weekend, qualifying pilots will compete in the championship event in the main arena. This will consist of timed circuit races on a purpose-built track, where several contenders will vie for the fastest time in each race. At the end of the four-day competition, the pilot with the best time will be crowned the SA Champion in open-class drone racing.

HOW TO ENTER

Aspiring champions have until 6 April 2017 to enter at flyfpvsa.co.za. Entries cost R450 and include the pilot’s entry to the Rand Show.

EXPLORE THE SHOW

In between flights, come and enjoy all the Rand Show 2017 has to offer. With a top-class lineup of entertainment, there’s something for every member of the family. South Africa’s biggest consumer expo is the only show to offer attractions covering everything from sport, motoring, military, and science and technology, to design, animals, gardening, health and beauty, and variety shows … there’s an entire day out packed into each Rand Show ticket.

Visit www.randshow.co.za to get all the latest information on what’s happening at the show this year.

WHEN, WHERE, HOW MUCH?

The Rand Show runs from Friday, 14 April to Sunday, 23 April 2017, from 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6 pm), at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec (GPS – S26°14.484’ E27°58.510). There is ample secure paid parking at the venue, with visible policing.

Rand Show tickets at the gate cost R150 for adults, R50 for pensioners, R50 for 13-16 years, R20 for 6-12 years, and under six enter free. Midweek specials for Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 April only are R75 for adults, and R20 for 13-16-year-olds. Open-air parking is R20 per car. Tickets are available at the gate or through Computicket.

Tickets give access to a wide variety of entertainment attractions, but exclude rides on the helicopter and monorail, drifting, bag jumping, the fun fair, and refreshments and food.

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