Drone-racing organisation DR1 Racing has named global logistics company DHL as the new title sponsor of its Champions Series.
The length of the deal was not disclosed but it will commence with the upcoming 2017 season.
Soft drinks brand Mountain Dew will also return to serve as a presenting sponsor of the series for the second year running. The series will now be known as the DHL Champions Series fuelled by Mountain Dew.
Ken Allen, chief executive of DHL Express, said: “DHL has an extensive history developing innovative and sustainable approaches towards future logistics solutions, including several successful pilot installations of drone technology. Similar to Formula E, drone racing represents an exciting new e-racing series, which is why DHL took the opportunity to engage as the logistics partner and title sponsor for DR1’s premier league racing series.”
Both DHL and Mountain Dew will leverage their motor-racing heritage to raise the profile of drone racing as part of their sponsorship of the series.
Drone manufacturer Air Hogs will also provide drones for the series, while the US Army will sponsor the DR1 Drone Tech show, which will air on social video platform Twitch.
The series will this year comprise six races in outdoor locations around the world. Trona Pinnacles and The Mojave Bone Yard in the US state of California will each stage a leg, while Bonn, Germany; Bunowen Castle and Spike Island in Ireland; and Marine Drive on the Isle of Man will also host races.
DR1 chief executive and founder, Brad Foxhoven, said: “Along with Mountain Dew, who has been with us since our first race last year, we have established a racing series that truly represents what drone racing really means with epic outdoor racing, elite drone racing teams, and a racing format that creates excitement and engagement for the pilots, viewers and spectators. Both DHL and Mountain Dew have a long history with racing and emerging sports, and their involvement further cements DR1 as the global leader in drone racing.”