NK Drone Racing 2026 - Ranking 2
Dutch Nationals
06 Jun 2026 | Hangaar 1 - Unmanned Valley - Vliegbasis Valkenburg
The Dutch National Drone Racing Championship 2026 continues with Ranking #2, hosted at the iconic Hangar 1 of Unmanned Valley in Katwijk. Following the opening round, the competition intensifies as pilots battle for crucial ranking points on the road to the NK Final.
Organized by Stichting Dutch Drone Racing and supported by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Vereniging voor Luchtvaart (KNVvL) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the championship follows the official F9U regulations, ensuring a fair, transparent, and internationally recognized competition format.
With only three ranking events in the season, every race matters. Ranking #2 is a key moment in the championship, where consistency, strategy, and raw speed determine who strengthens their position in the top 16—and who risks falling behind before the final round.
This round takes place inside Hangar 1 at Unmanned Valley, located at the former military airbase Valkenburg. This historic site is one of the birthplaces of organized drone racing in the Netherlands.
For many experienced pilots, this venue carries a strong sense of nostalgia—it’s where some of the earliest FPV races were held and where the community first started to grow.
Today, the location combines that legacy with a modern, high-tech environment. The large indoor hangar allows for a fast, flowing and highly technical track design, while maintaining perfect racing conditions regardless of weather.
🚁 High-level FPV drone racing featuring the top pilots in the Netherlands
🏁 A fast and technical outdoor track in a unique high-tech environment
🎯 Professional race direction, accurate timing, and FAI-aligned racing
🤝 A competitive yet community-driven atmosphere
Qualifying
The event starts with qualifying rounds, where pilots fly in heats of six. The fastest three consecutive laps determine their ranking. Each pilot gets an equal number of qualification attempts.
Top 16 Advancement
The 16 fastest pilots from qualifying move on to the elimination stage.
Eliminations
Pilots compete in a double-elimination format (FAI-style), flying in heats of four. Each race follows a first-to-3-laps format, where the first pilot to complete three laps wins the heat.
Final – Chase the Ace
The event concludes with a Chase the Ace final, where a pilot must win twice to secure victory. This can result in two to five final races, keeping the outcome uncertain until the very end.
In case of a tie:
The NK Final later in the season features a 1.2x points multiplier, ensuring that both consistency and peak performance are rewarded.
As an officially recognized championship under KNVvL and FAI guidelines, NK Drone Racing forms the foundation for selecting the Dutch national team for international FAI competitions.
Following the successful return of the NK in 2025, the 2026 season continues to grow in professionalism and scale. With multiple venues across the Netherlands and strong collaboration with clubs and partners, Dutch Drone Racing is building a sustainable and future-proof national championship.
Ranking #2 at Unmanned Valley is where the pressure builds and the leaderboard takes shape.
Every lap counts—don’t miss your chance to secure your place in the race for the national title.
More information about registration, rules, and event details will be announced soon via the official Dutch Drone Racing channels.
See you in Katwijk! 🚀🏁
Pilots with a paid ticket for this event.
