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 took advantage in the eastern suburbs soap box derby.

The school 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 held at Stonefields Road Race Track on 22nd March, 2009.

KorKor™ is a product of Kordia, a 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,” says Mr 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 competed against seven other primary and intermediate schools.

First they needed 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 NZ champs in April on the North Shore, and the winner of that round will go on to the world champs in the US in July.