So we got wind that a prolific pilot from the Philippines had won 2 races in the country – Splash Island Race and the National Drone League – with a TRP KATAK Stretch. How proud we were!
We got in touch with Danny to learn more about his race and here’s what we got from him.
Total Rotor – Congratulations on your podium finish in both races! Tell us how it went.
It was great! I took first place in both races in the Expert & Pro category in the NDL and Splash Island Race respectively. There were about 60 pilots in the NDL and 26 in the Splash Island Race. It was great fun and a tough race with many great pilots in the field from across the region. I chose to fly with the TRP KATAK Stretch and turned out to be the right choice for the track.
For NDL, the format was qualifying first followed by a top 16 knockout round for each category – Pro, Expert and Novice. Splash Island Race adopted points system instead where pilots flew in groups of 4 for multiple heats.
Total Rotor – We couldn’t be prouder that you’ve won with the TRP KATAK Stretch. How did it work out for you?
The courses were very technical. So the lightweight and agility of the TRP was very helpful – I could feel the speed and acceleration of the stretched-X design gave me an edge during both races.
Total Rotor – That’s great to know. Maybe tell us when did you started racing competitively?
I started flying racing drones with a group – Team Bidadari – in 2014, but we weren’t that much into racing at that time, more so casual flying. It was only in 2015 that we decided to spend more time training for races. We enjoyed the thrill and adrenaline of FPV racing so much! If my memory doesn’t fail me, a local tertiary institution in Singapore organized a race and we took part in it. Being the first official race we took part it, the jitters was overwhelming but it was great fun and we learnt a lot from the race. To be honest, even till today I still can’t help with the pre-race nervousness now and then. So far the best competitive result I had was during the 2016 Philippine Drone nationals, which I won 3rd place in and went on to represent Philippines in Hawaii for the Drone Worlds.
Total Rotor – With these accolades behind you, we’re sure a lot of stick time was clocked. How do you manage time between flying, work and family?
Striking a balance is indeed tricky but any free time that I can find in between, I’ll be flying. I’ll be contented if I can get at least 2 flying sessions a week.
Total Rotor – Any word of advice for the aspiring racers?
Having fun is really the key here. Find a friend or join a group – they can help a lot in your growth. After which, podium finishes will follow!