Nicholas Horbaczewski

Nicholas Horbaczewski is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Drone Racing League (DRL), a pioneering organization in the sport of drone racing, which he established in 2015. Under his leadership, DRL has become a significant player in the sports technology and entertainment sectors, successfully attracting over $100 million in investments from notable backers, including Liberty Media and WWE.1 2

Background and Career

Horbaczewski's professional journey includes diverse experiences, such as being a film producer and serving as a senior executive at a defense contractor. He also held the position of Chief Revenue Officer for Tough Mudder, an endurance event series.5 His vision for DRL was inspired by the potential of drone racing to engage audiences who might not be as interested in traditional sports. He describes DRL as "Formula One but with drones," emphasizing its blend of sports, technology, and media innovation.1 2

Achievements

Under Horbaczewski's guidance, DRL has achieved several milestones:

Guinness World Record: In 2017, DRL set the record for the fastest battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter, reaching speeds of 179.6 mph.4
Recognition: He has received numerous awards, including being a finalist for EY's Entrepreneur Of The Year® in 2020 and being named among the "50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs" by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2017.4

Recent Developments

Recently, DRL was acquired by Infinite Reality for $250 million, with Horbaczewski being promoted to Global President of Infinite Reality. This acquisition is expected to enhance the technological capabilities and global reach of drone racing.2 6

Horbaczewski continues to advocate for the growth and commercialization of drone racing, aiming to captivate younger audiences and integrate immersive experiences into the sport.2 3