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SALT LAKE CITY — Speedy drones faced off Saturday at the first official Road to the Utah Cup Drone Race.
A total of 32 racers participated in event, which was sponsored by Drones, Etc. and took place at Warm Springs Park in Salt Lake City. Pilots guided their drones along courses marked with cones and flags, zipping around trees and other obstacles.
On average, the course took a little less than 2 minutes to complete, according to Drones, Etc. chief drone engineer Matt Key.
"Our track was pretty technical," Key wrote in an email. "Our top speed was about 45 MPH. Some of these drones can reach speeds up to 90 MPH."
The races were broken into three categories, with winning pilots taking home cash prizes. Christian Avedon won first place in the 250mm 3s class, Chris Haskins won first place in the 300 unlimited 4s class and Jordan Temkin snagged first place for freestyle.
The Utah Cup is a qualifier race for the International Drone Racing Association's California Cup in November.