Ararat student Nathaniel Kuchel continues to makes waves in the world of drone racing.
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The Marian College student competed at the Drone Racing Australian Open in Sydney earlier this month.
Kuchel competed against about 80 other drone pilots across the weekend, with the goal qualifying in the top 32 to compete on the final raceday on the Sunday.
The up and comer had strong qualifiers but was nearly unable to compete in the next round after an unfortunate incident.
"I had to go to hospital after I was bitten by a bullant which put a halt to my day," he said.
"I did miss out on a few of my runs but got some decent runs in before so qualified seventh on both tracks."
There were two tracks at the event - a main track for the Australian championship and also time trial track to determine who would fly overseas to compete in a Drone Sport International event in Korea.
The year 12 student was able to make his way through four knockout rounds before reaching the finals.
He said he was surprised to do so well.
"The current world champ and former world champ were racing so to beat them through the rounds is something I was really happy with," Kuchel said.
Kuchel was able to make it to the final four racers - finishing fourth in a contentious final.
"I came third in two races and fourth in another whereas the guy who came third had two 'did not finishes' and a second," Kuchel said.
"We had the same amount of points which usually means a head-to-head dual, but for some reason they determined since he had a higher finish in one of the finals he got third place.
"It was a little disappointing but I was so happy to get there far though."
Kuchel last year travelled to Switzerland to compete in a Drone Champions League event in Zurich and continues to develop his craft in the unique sport.
He said he is looking to improve while juggling his year 12 studies.
"It's been a juggling act - I think I have been balancing training well with my school work so far," he said.
"From the Australian Open I learnt a lot about myself as a pilot and know the things I will change for my next race in Adelaide."
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