Liquid Telecom to sponsor rally championship

Liquid Telecom Kenya has announced its sponsorship of the 2016 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) in a comprehensive package supporting drivers, upgrading the championship’s technology and raising the profile of the Kenyan rallies both nationally and globally.

The Internet Service Provider will now be the official Timing, Results and Connectivity Partner throughout the 2016-2018 KNRC series, with the aim of improving rallying for competitors, organisers and enthusiasts.

In an immediate upgrade delivered as part of the sponsorship, the company has sourced, World Rally Championship standard timing equipment from TAG Heuer to ensure Kenyan rallies meet world class standards. They will be in charge of operating and maintaining the kit as well as supplying the critical communication links between stages and rally headquarters.

For the 2016 season, from the Safari Rally on March 26^th, all participating cars will beam continuous signals from their existing transponders to TAG Heuer receivers that upload the data to the Rally HQ via satellite.

The technology will deliver constant records of the whereabouts of every competitor, and internationally recognized timing, giving immediate and much more accurate results than the previous system, which used stop watches and flags.

“We are committed to enhancing the total motor sport experience in Kenya by adding value and quality for the organisers, competitors, spectators and enthusiasts, through the use of technology and connectivity,” said Ben Roberts, CEO, Liquid Telecom Kenya.

The extension of Liquid Telecom Kenya’s relationship with the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) follows the company’s successful involvement with the 2015 KNRC through the sponsorship of multiple rally winner, Ian Duncan.

Liquid Telecom Kenya has now extended its sponsorship of Ian Duncan into the 2016 season and is additionally sponsoring the all-female team, Rally Chix, led byTash Tundo and Chantal Young, enabling them to participate in the eight championship rallies. The twoare among the top women rally drivers in Kenya and will be sponsored by Hai, Liquid Telecom’s retail brand offering Internet access direct to households and SMEs.

“We are honored to be partnering with the best competitors in the motor events, with this new initiative with Rally Chix aimed at further supporting female drivers in a male dominated sport,” said Mr. Roberts.

This year’s KNRC series will kick off with the Kajiado Rally, for which the scrutinizing will be held at the Shell gas station along Waiyaki Way on Friday February 26th. The flag off for around 50 rally cars will be from KCB Kajiado branch on 27th February and the prize giving will be at the AIC Primary School, Kajiado.

The Kajiado Rally is expected to be a tough one for drivers with a route set over relatively demanding terrain.

Liquid Telecom Kenya will also offer WiFi throughout the 2016 KNRC series, through its national fibre and WiFi networks, enabling more engagement and involvement for everyone involved, including enthusiasts and organisers. The WiFi services will be provided using VSAT services in remote areas where there is no fibre connectivity. .