Surveillance sport: drone racing enters big leagues with ESPN broadcast

'Pilots' gathered for a test flight before the National Drone Racing Championship, a budding sport competitors hope will become an 'everybody hobby'

A pack of drones whizzed across Governor's Island against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. About the size of a plate, they whipped through the track of the second annual National Drone Racing Championship, piloted by racers in goggles standing a few yards away.

Friday was a practice day at the drone race, a sport that's still in its infancy. But this weekend's event is its big moment. For the first time in drone racing's short existence, the competition will be broadcast on ESPN.