Drone racing: Nascar in the sky - CNET

The United Arab Emirates already appeals to fans of horse racing. Now, the rich Gulf state wants to be known for a different type of spectator sport: drone racing.

Beginning Friday, 32 pilots will race in the inaugural World Drone Prix, whipping their remote-controlled aerial vehicles around a half-mile long track in Dubai, the UAE's biggest city and home to world's tallest building.

On Saturday, the field will be winnowed down to four racers, who will compete for the $1 million prize.

The UAE isn't alone in promoting drone racing as a professional sport. Earlier this year, the Drone Racing League launched its ambitious plans to become the Formula One of drone racing with a contest in Miami. Meanwhile, the US National Drone Racing Championships is now in its second year.

The rise of professional drone racing is another reminder of the way the aerial technology is starting to permeate everyday life. Once mostly limited to military use such as remote bombing and surveillance, drones are now finding their way into almost anything.