Consider the muddy, crazy Bristol Motor Speedway dirt race on April 8, 2023, where the “Choose Drone” was the star of the show. Glowing like a neon lifeline for drivers selecting their restart lanes, this buzzing beacon, decked out with brilliant LED lights, hung over the “choose area.” Restarts were smoother than a new pair of Goodyears thanks to this drone, which eliminated the need to guess the line or look through dust. Drivers like Chase Elliott and spectators in the stands received a crystal-clear marker, demonstrating that NASCAR isn’t scared to experiment with the same technology they’re mastering. Fighting drones’ negative aspects while utilizing their potential for good is a two-edged sword of genius. Acknowledging the extreme dangers posed by unlicensed pilots, NASCAR collaborated with technological experts to ensure the safety of the sky and the races rocking.
Imagine DroneShield’s anti-drone equipment standing watch at Texas Motor Speedway, detecting and eliminating rogue drones before they might ruin the fun. After that, NASCAR introduced Dedrone’s airspace magic at Phoenix Raceway. Finding drones before they ever take flight and pursuing their operators like a pit crew pursuing a loose lug nut is not merely detection; this is preemptive attack technology.
In order to solve this issue, NASCAR has joined the lobby of many sports leagues
Were you aware? In 2023 alone, the NFL recorded more than 2,800 drone incursions, in which unapproved pilots buzzed into the FAA-defined restricted airspace surrounding stadiums, which is less than 3,000 feet within three miles, within an hour before and after games. Consider Talladega’s expansive infield or Bristol’s congested bowl, which is home to over 100,000 spectators. NASCAR is also no stranger to this. Cotton stated, “We can’t risk fan lives because some drones can carry explosives or biological weapons, even though many of them are hobbyists or jokers.” Relaxing, huh? When a drone entered Baltimore’s airspace in January 2024, the AFC Championship Game was put on hold; the operator subsequently entered a guilty plea. Then, a wild-card duel between the Ravens and Steelers halted mid-play on January 11 over a rogue flier. With their enormous audiences, NASCAR races might come next.
NASCAR joined the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and SEC on Thursday to support a daring bill in Congress that would address this escalating threat. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) are pushing for a bipartisan bill known as the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, which would provide state and local law enforcement the authority to shoot drones out of the air during major athletic events. Cotton told ESPN that “we need to give them the tools to protect the airspace from weapons and biological threats.” The goal of the NASCAR community is to protect Daytona’s roar from both wrecks and pandemonium from above. Currently, only federal officials have the legal authority to officially disable drones.
They are “a small fraction” of law enforcement, according to Cotton, and are insufficient for every MLB pitch, NFL kickoff, and NASCAR green flag. “The perimeter is already protected by local law enforcement,” he stated. “Why not drones, since we expect them to stop a dump truck?” After completing counter-drone training, the DEFENSE Act would give state and local police officers the same authority at events with more than 30,000 spectators, such as every Cup Series race. “This legislation would drastically increase the security of our stadiums and the safety of the 70,000,000 fans who attend our games annually,” MLB’s David Thomas applauded.
How can a drone be stopped? Finding the operator and insisting that they land it is frequently all that is required, according to Michael Robbins of the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, who spoke to ESPN. Most drones are built to drop or retreat when cut off, but if that doesn’t work, police might disrupt its signal, snag it with a net, ram it, or bomb it down. But things aren’t always easy. Last year, Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, thwarted a similar bill on the Senate floor, stating: “Made urgency and fear are used as pretext to expand government power at the expense of freedom.”
The leagues aren’t giving up, despite privacy hawks’ concerns about the expansion of spying. NFL security head Cathy Lanier testified that “intelligence agencies warn terrorist groups could target stadiums,” citing drone threats during the Cricket World Cup and Islamic State discussion regarding the Paris Olympics. This bill is the result of years of lobbying, with the NFL and NASCAR standing shoulder to shoulder to defend our Sundays. Is it going to pass? The stakes are obvious, but the opposition is hazy. Imagine a drone flying overhead the next time you’re at Martinsville, and support the efforts to ensure that our sport continues to fly safely. What do you think—overreach or security win?
