Page 16 - MFW June 2025

What does a race look like? channel. Since the timer uses short directional antennas,
RZDR is one of the most active drone racing clubs in New whenever a drone passes through the start/finish gate,
Zealand, hosting weekly races in summer (Wednesday the signal strength on its channel spikes, triggering a lap
evenings after work) and fortnightly races in winter detection. The timing data is then sent to the computer,
(Saturdays). calculating lap times and updating the leaderboard with
the pilot’s position in real-time.
For regular events, we typically use one of two race
formats: Top 2 Consecutive or Bump-Up Mains. This technology has been a game-changer for our races,
allowing for accurate, automated lap counting without the
• Top 2 Consecutive: Pilots are ranked based on their need for additional hardware on the drones themselves!
fastest two back-to-back laps recorded during the
event. This format rewards both speed and The 2025 NZ Open
consistency. Most recently, RZDR had the honour of hosting the New
• Bump-Up Mains: After qualifying (usually using the Zealand Open for the third time—New Zealand’s premier
Top 2 Consecutive format), pilots are split into annual drone racing event! This was the 7th NZ Open
groups (A, B, C, D, etc.). The lowest group starts and the biggest yet, with 42 pilots competing, including
racing, completing three laps per race, head to 17 racers from Australia who made the trip across the
head. After three rounds, the top two pilots “bump ditch to take part in this prestigious event.
up” to the next group, where they compete again.
This process continues until the final group, where
the best of the best battle it out for victory!

Held over three action-packed days, the event featured
practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and thrilling finals.
But the NZ Open is more than just a race - it’s a chance for
pilots from across the country to come together, connect
with like-minded enthusiasts, and celebrate the sport. At
its core, drone racing is as much about community and
friendships as it is about speed and competition.

Wondering how the timing works?
Thanks to MFNZ’s Special Interest Group (SIG) grant,
we’ve recently been able to upgrade our original home-
built timing system—a much-needed boost in both
performance and accuracy, and something we are
incredibly grateful for.

Contact us!
Want to learn more or join the action? Reach out to us
through any of the channels below:
Facebook Group – Weekly race updates & discussions
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rzdr.inc
Facebook Page – Highlights & event updates
https://www.facebook.com/RZDR.INC
Website – More info about RZDR & drone racing in NZ
https://droneracing.nz/
Email
Unlike RC car or plane racing, which often relies on rzdr@droneracing.nz
transponders, drone racing uses something already built Phone
into every drone; its video feed. Each drone transmits on 027 330 9665
a unique frequency, and our timer is equipped with eight
individual receivers that track the signal strength of each
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