OCTOBER 22, 2024 – The Drone Racing League® (DRL), the world’s premier professional drone racing property, is soaring to new heights with an expanded partnership with the United States Air Force, its longest standing partner. Today, the two announced they are joining forces again to engineer the ultimate high-tech event, the DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational, debuting in 2025. This future-forward collaboration seeks to find the next generation of technical talent and STEM prodigies through the electrifying fusion of sports entertainment and immersive technology.
For the first time ever, the U.S. Air Force will present a DRL Championship event, connecting millions of young tech fans and prospective recruits with the vast opportunities the Air Force offers as an ultimate launchpad for STEM careers. Legendary two-time DRL World Champion and broadcast commentator Evan “Headsup” Turner is set to take the controls as the returning U.S. Air Force Team Pilot.
The DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 7 PM ET, at loanDepot park, home of MLB’s Miami Marlins. This race marks DRL’s first major event since the League’s acquisition by Infinite Reality (iR), the innovation company driving the next generation of digital media and e-commerce through artificial intelligence (AI), spatial computing, extended reality, and other immersive technologies. That evening, the ballpark will be transformed into a real-life video game, where the world’s best drone pilots race high-speed drones through a spectacular aerial course.
Twelve pilots, including Headsup, will fly from the U.S. Air Force Flight Deck through bespoke course elements in front of 10,000 spectators. Fans will be treated live to heart-pounding action featuring lightning-fast drones zipping through hairpin turns, corkscrewing through vertical climbs, and diving into stomach-churning descents at speeds exceeding 90 mph. Spectators will be on the edge of their seats as these aerial acrobats navigate a three-dimensional maze of light, pushing the limits of both machine and human reflexes in a breathtaking display of skill and technology.
Rachel Jacobson, iR President of Business Ventures & Partnerships said, “The Drone Racing League’s partnership with the U.S. Air Force has always been about driving tech innovation and recruiting top talent – and DRL Championship events are magnets for next-gen engineers and STEM leaders. As DRL’s debut as part of Infinite Reality, the Miami Invitational will also showcase iR’s cutting-edge AI and 3D web technology, offering new immersive and interconnected experiences to bring fans closer to their favorite sports and fast-track talent development across the board.”
U.S. Air Force Chief of Strategic Marketing, Air Force Recruiting Services, Barry Dickey, added, “The U.S. Air Force is proud to serve as a catalyst for technology careers. With a shared investment in future STEM leaders, our partnership with the Drone Racing League empowers a new generation of pilots and engineers to push the boundaries of technology, defense and aviation. Together, our first-ever U.S. Air Force presented DRL race will spark innovation and guide tech trailblazers toward exceptional professional paths.”
Tickets for the DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22 at 8 a.m. ET. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/drlmiami.
About Drone Racing League
Drone Racing League® (DRL) is the world’s premier professional drone racing property. The best drone pilots in the world fly in DRL and millions of fans watch them race on top broadcast and streaming platforms. Combining groundbreaking technology and immersive drone racing, DRL is creating a new era of sports that brings high-speed competition across real life and virtual simulation. Founded by Nicholas Horbaczewski in 2015, DRL is privately-held and headquartered in NYC. For more information, visit www.drl.io.
About Infinite Reality
Infinite Reality (iR)™ powers the next generation of digital media, commerce, and community through AI, spatial computing, and other immersive technologies. iR’s suite of cutting-edge software, production, marketing services, and other capabilities empower brands and creators to craft inventive digital experiences that uplevel audience engagement, data ownership, monetization, and brand health metrics. Infinite Reality’s portfolio of brands includes:
- iR Engine: The world’s most advanced 3D engine designed for the web browser.
- iR Studio: A low-code and no-code SaaS solution that enables brands, creators, and developers to build and deploy immersive projects.
- iR Enterprise Solutions: A partnerships organization that collaborates with Fortune 1000 companies and governments to create bespoke virtual experiences such as immersive apps, games, digital twins, media and more.
- Drone Racing League: The world’s premier professional drone racing property reaching 90MM fans.
- Thunder Studios: An Emmy Award-winning and fully-integrated entertainment services, production, and broadcasting company. The studio includes 14 sound stages, a dedicated esports arena, and an XR (Extended Reality) stage.
- TalentX: A creator talent management firm that manages hundreds of top-rated influencers, musicians, and performers reaching 200+ million followers.
- Fearless Media: A digital marketing agency that offers creative strategy, social content, traditional advertising, email campaigns, media planning, and custom analytics to optimize reach and return.
The company is backed by an impressive roster of investors including RSE Ventures, Liberty Media, Lux Capital, Lerer Hippeau, MGM, CAA, T-Mobile Ventures, Courtside VC, Exor, Terracap, IAC, Live Nation, as well as notable individuals such as Steve Aoki, Imagine Dragons, and NBA player Rudy Gobert. For more information, visit theinfinitereality.com.