Pit-stop comms get boost for derby day

Media release
16 March 2009

Pit-stop comms get boost for derby day

Getting your communications right in any pit-stop can be a major headache during the adrenalin-rush of race day.

So, with sponsorship from the very latest in two-way communications equipment, Pt. England School is taking a big advantage in to the upcoming eastern suburbs soap box derby.

The school has secured the support of KorKor™ - a two-way digital radio that incorporates the functionality of a mobile phone and GPS - for the Pak n’ Save Eastern Suburbs Soap Box Derby at Stonefields Road Race Track on 22 March 2009.

KorKor™ is a product of Kordia, Australasia’s leading provider of customised broadcast and telecommunications solutions and specialised networks.

Kordia’s sponsorship enables the children to compete in an event where they learn a wide range of skills. The children, aged between eight and 13 years, get to build and race their own soap box derby car – which comes in kitset form from the USA.

Kordia business manager, Aaron Olphert says the company is thrilled to support Pt. England School, who won the ‘Computerworld Excellence in the Use of IT in Education: Primary & Secondary Award’ in 2006.

“The children acquire a wide range of skills and learn to work in a team led by a group of adults. They learn how to work with basic tools, how to read plans, solve difficult tasks, assign jobs such as a driver and pit crew team and learn to drive the car they build.

“KorKor™ promotes good communications between team members because it combines RT and cellphone capability in one unit with a heap of other features. And with KorKor™ involved, the reality factor for the kids gets a huge boost – it’ll be a bit like being in the pits at Pukekohe, Bathhurst or Monaco!,” says Olphert.

Pt. England School principal Russell Burt says sponsorship is instrumental in enabling the children to participate.

“Pt. England School is thrilled to be supported to participate in this exciting activity. We’re glad to be part of this unique event. It’s great to be able to provide our pupils with a hands-on opportunity to learn teamwork and other important life skills.”

Dubbed PES Racing, the children are competing against seven other primary and intermediate schools. First they need to assemble the kit-set derby car, find sponsors, test the vehicle, and get some practice in before race day.

The winning team will compete in the New Zealand champs in April on the North Shore, and the winner of that round will go on to the world champs in the United States in July.

The 300-metre race is on Stonefields Drive in Mt Wellington on Sunday 22 March.

ENDS