Episode 4 of the Life of a Drone Racer video series comes speeding in with highlights from UFO’s first real performance as a professional DRL racer. At the Level 2: Skatepark LA, the pilots race through one of the largest private skating and gymnastics facilities in the US and UFO shares with us one of the secrets to his success.

Three rookies, including UFO, make their DRL debut on a challenging course that presents intense obstacles. The course combines skating ramps with complex neon rings and the eye-catching Swatch Gate.

“It’s great to be here with the top pilots in the world. It’s pretty validating,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to be acknowledged for your skill.”

Before go-time, UFO takes a few moments to zero in on the task at hand. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, he frees himself from all distractions and meditates to get focused and let go of any past errors that might be distracting him. And then it’s time to fly...

Unfortunately, UFO’s racing didn’t go as well as he had hoped. After a few crashes, he finally overcame the obstacles to finish in 4th place in the fourth heat – his first finish as a pro pilot. In the “sudden death” finale, where the first two advance, UFO puts up a good fight but loses silver in the final lap and misses the cut by one place.

UFO leaves Los Angeles with a few hard-learned lessons, but more importantly, a drive to push himself further than his competitors. It’s clear that he has set very high expectations for himself, and he’s coming back to the next race with a vengeance.

> Episode 1 – THE SWATCH TRYOUTS
> Episode 2 – THE UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY
> Episode 3 – PERKS OF THE JOB
> Episode 5 – THE PILOTS’ PERSPECTIVE
> Episode 6 – UFO'S SEASON