The future of Formula 1 Powerboating in South Africa has been placed firmly on the inside track towards growth with an investment by SMC Networks South Africa.
SMC Networks is a global provider of LAN hardware and broadband connectivity devices. The company has established an effective industry-leading presence in South Africa via SMC Networks South Africa. This company is positioned to add value as a supplier of next-generation networking solutions and components to the domestic marketplace via the formal ICT Channel.
In line with its strategy to expand reach and aggressively engage the marketplace, management at SMC Networks South Africa has committed to a three-year joint initiative with the SA F1 Powerboat Series. This includes related official branding of SMC Corporate on the sides of powerboats and other marketing related activity.
The first major contribution to emerge from the initiative has been the development and implementation of a new locally-designed timing system for the sport
Paul Luff, country manager at SMC Networks South Africa, says the system will certainly enhance current race conditions and improve the overall experience for both drivers and spectators.
“In the past time trials take place with each boat completing a lap, individually, as per the prescribed layout of the circuit. With the new system in place, all boats will complete time trials simultaneously under the same conditions, over forty five minutes. The technology is able to run multiple stopwatches concurrently and times are calculated per lap. This ensures better placing or positioning and safer starting positions,” says Luff.
“The faster powerboats are not necessarily placed in the best position for the start of the race – considered to be the most dangerous phase - and positioning is influenced directly by driver skill. The new system will allow for improved positioning of multiple boats on the circuit, which adds to the excitement for spectators and drivers,” he adds.
The system aligns the local sport with international standards governing F1 powerboating and lifts its profile in terms of being able to officiate over- and control events.
“We are immensely proud to have SMC Networking South Africa on board as a primary sponsor and contributor of this innovative new timing system. The technology adds definite value to the sport, it widens the field of competition, enhances the excitement of the sport and ensures that standards of regulation and control are maintained,”
For local powerboating favourites, such as the likes of Elzane de Jager and Brett Stuart, the timing of this new system could make all the difference going forward.
