Former Army Captain and Founder of International Drone Racing Association to Be CEO

The International Drone Racing Association (IDRA) has announced that the company’s founder, Justin Haggerty, will take a full-time role as President & CEO this December, after recently transitioning from the US Army. As a former Captain in the US Army and graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, Haggerty brings the leadership and management skills required to expand the company’s professional and semi-professional series, grow the spectator experience, and strengthen the foundation of the sport.

The company, along with IDRA’s partners, is excited to have an increased presence from Haggerty around the office and at races in the United States and internationally. The change comes at a great moment when IDRA is growing the 2018 season from 14 races to 27, partnering with major events and venues like Dover International Speedway, Dutch Comic Con, Munhak Baseball Stadium, AUVSI Exponential, University of Phoenix Stadium, and South Point Hotel & Casino to say the least. Additionally, the company continues to increase its insurance business as the premier provider for primary liability insurance, with worldwide coverage, for pilots as IDRA members. This October, IDRA announced that the company was expanding the service to all drone events.

“I’m greatly looking forward to supporting the 2018 season in a full-time capacity,” said Justin Haggerty, the founder and CEO of IDRA. “Since IDRA’s founding in 2015, it has been difficult to give the company the time required to fully pursuit new opportunities and grow its presence in the sport. My duty and service to the country came first, often hindering the ability to travel and execute IDRA’s mission. Despite the challenges, IDRA has remained a leader, organizing several of the largest racing series in the world, establishing valuable partnerships with venues and events to grow the spectator experience, and expanding business operations to provide insurance services to pilots and drone events worldwide. Now as a full-time and permanent leader in the sport, I can ensure IDRA’s vision for drone racing to become the future of motorsports.”

 

Drone racing is a worldwide sport that utilizes Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to allow a new breed of innovators to compete on the international stage. There are roughly 100 drone competitions in the U.S. annually and 200 worldwide competitions, highlighted by races like IDRA’s 2016 World Drone Prix in Dubai and 2017 Dover Internationals at the Dover International Speedway with NASCAR.