What You Need for a Drone Race

A drone race needs more than drones and a marked course. You need race gates, timing equipment, barriers and safety nets, plus a practical repair area for crashes and damaged parts. Plan power and charging before race day: chargers, charging cases, power strips and a reliable connection must be ready before competitors arrive. This shopping list also covers seating, tables, waste bins and the equipment volunteers need to keep registration, timing and announcements moving.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 50
Bar stoolsqty 6
Paddock tablesqty 10
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Race gatesqty 12
Marker conesqty 30
Start arch
Finish arch
Safety netsqty 180
Net attachmentsqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Ribbonsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 40
Spare propellersqty 40
Spare framesqty 8
Screwdriver setsqty 6
Allen key setsqty 6
Repair matsqty 6
Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6

Equipment

Timing gatesqty 4
Timing computersqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Wi-Fi router
Battery chargersqty 12
Charging casesqty 4
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Cable reelsqty 4
Battery packsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptop speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Projection screen
Projector

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 40

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Stage signsqty 3
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Party nuts - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Gluten-free wraps - 20 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Prepare at least one complete repair setup with a repair mat, screwdriver set, Allen key set, spare propellers and spare frames. Put it where pilots can reach it without entering the flying zone.
Use safety nets, net attachments, crowd control barriers and marker cones to separate pilots, spectators and the course. Set these up before opening the venue, not after the first heats begin.
Test every timing gate, timing computer, laptop, tablet and the Wi-Fi router together before race day. Keep a tested backup laptop or tablet available if the main timing system fails.
Count charging points before competitors arrive. Battery chargers, charging cases and power strips should be connected and tested in advance, with cables kept away from walkways.
Set out bib numbers, ribbons and the start and finish arches before the briefing. Add tables, folding chairs, paddock tables and waste bins where registration, repairs and spectators will need them.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a drone race?: You need race gates, timing gates, timing computers, laptops or tablets, a Wi-Fi router, battery chargers and charging cases. Add safety nets, barriers, cones and repair tools so the course and pit area are ready for both racing and crashes.
How many spare propellers should I buy for a drone race?: Plan at least one spare set of propellers per competing drone, then add extra sets for practice and crashes. For a 20-pilot race, that means at least 20 spare sets before the event starts.
What safety equipment is needed for a drone race?: Use safety nets with net attachments, crowd control barriers and marker cones to define the flying and spectator areas. Provide safety goggles and work gloves for people working near repairs, batteries or the course.
When should I test the drone race timing system?: Test the timing gates, software, computers, tablets and Wi-Fi router at least one day before the race. Repeat a short live test after connecting the venue power supply, before competitors and spectators enter.

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