FPV Podcast 12 – Track Design with Joe Scully and Bulbufet FPV
Discussing track design from the prespective of a race director and racer.
Joe Scully – With a background of Rodeo and Motorsport Announcing spanning 13 States and 4 Provinces, exclusive accreditation and international industry awards, Scully brings engaging commentary, simultaneous sound effects and action soundtracks together in a polished style that entertains, educates and informs everyone from first-time spectators to seasoned participants. http://fpvracingevents.com
Paul Nurkkala a.k.a. Bulbufet is an aspiring drone racing pilot. Having flown for the better part of 2015, he has learned a great deal about the sport. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPCc4i_lIw-fW9oBXh6yTnw
Scully is my hero. He doesn’t even know me, and I have been admiring his
work for many months now. As another organizer here outside of DC, his
skills and knowledge are valuable. While most guys have found themselves
following the pilots, and I am one as well, I spend a lot of time watching
this man and others like him to get better. Obliged for this.
I follow the spirit and standards set by AGP. I design a grand prix style
course. Wide and sweepy- my field allows for a 10 foot wide lane. I run 90
degree turns, a single 180, and an over/under cross. I incorporate a 30
foot vertical and drop into a wide sweeping turn, and allow for a pit area
even though we haven’t yet reached that level of longer, team racing. I
will use the fpv model gates on the course for pros, and remove them for
larger box gates for beginners. I mark both sides of lanes with white sport
cones, and use single 15 foot feather banners for turns- red on left and
yellow for right. The worst thing about many of the races and courses in
the past that seems to be overlooked are the confusing banners all over the
place- those tall banners are distractions and should be limited and only
used sparingly to mark turn directions so pilots can set up.
The main key I have found is the 25 meter separation between obstacles- at
speed, that is about the best minimal distance to begin or add a gate, or
turn. I wheel walk the course, and mark it off in 25 meter increments.