WRC Safari Rally: What Technology Makes Rally Cars Safe At High Speeds
- Naivasha town is bustling with local and international tourists gearing up for the thrilling World Safari Rally Championships (WRC) scheduled from March 28 to 31
- FIA describes the Safari Rally as an iconic event known for its formidable challenges, providing drivers an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience
- WRC cars must endure diverse impacts at high speeds, navigating rugged terrain featuring dips, rocks, and jumps, necessitating enhancements to ensure safety, durability and prevent mechanical failures
Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.
Local and international tourists have flocked into Naivasha town to witness the iconic World Safari Rally Championships (WRC), which kicks off next Thursday, March 28 to 31.
Source: UGC
The Safari rally in Kenya marks the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships (WRC), following the editions in Rallye Monte (January 25-28) and Rally Sweden (15-18 February).
"One of the sport’s most iconic contests, Safari Rally Kenya’s formidable reputation is not to be underestimated with river crossings, rock-strewn sections, climbs and dips, intense heat, plus a slippery surface in the event of heavy rainfall just some of what’s in store when the event takes place from June 22-25 over 355.92 timed kilometres.
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see YEN.com.gh News on your News Feed!
As well as forming part of an increasingly exciting race for the prestigious FIA World Rally Championship titles, Safari Rally Kenya provides a chance for several African crews to gain crucial experience and showcase the competitive nature of the FIA African Rally Championship" the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) described the WRC rally in Kenya.
The Safari Rally is known for its rugged terrain, and with the speed that's required to be a winner, WRC cars must endure a diverse array of impacts while maintaining high speeds.
Unlike traditional race cars that navigate smooth, uniform racetracks, rally stages present rugged terrain with dips, sizable rocks, and jumps.
Consequently, rally cars require many enhancements to withstand the rigours of competition and avoid mechanical failures.
How WRC rally cars are built
According to Hyundai, WRC cars adhere to the specifications established by the FIA, the international motorsports governing body.
Rally Connection notes that rally cars are constructed with significantly heightened safety standards compared to regular road vehicles.
The chassis is outfitted with a minimal outer shell, meticulously reinforced and strengthened to withstand the demanding conditions of the WRC.
These cars undergo thorough seam welding of all joints to enhance structural integrity. The cockpit is equipped with a safety roll-cage featuring multi-point fixtures, engineered to safeguard against roof and side collapse in the event of an accident.
Additionally, every car is outfitted with fire extinguishers and a first aid kit for added safety measures.
The interior of rally cars boasts specialised rally bucket seats meticulously designed to cradle occupants for optimal security and comfort. Occupants are securely fastened into their seats using a safety belt anchored to six points in the car.
WRC rally car's suspension and suspension canister
Almuftah Garage highlights that rally cars are not equipped with the long-distance suspension commonly found in on-road vehicles.
Instead, rally car suspensions are tailored to assist drivers in navigating corners, tackling bumps, and traversing ruts at exceptionally high speeds.
These specialised suspensions offer adjustable features, allowing for the customisation of factors such as the car's height clearance, suspension stiffness, cornering lean, and more.
Adjustment of suspension softness is facilitated using a suspension canister equipped with knobs for compression tuning.
Rally car tyres
Most rally cars use specially built tyres exclusively designed for rally conditions, which are unsuitable for on-road use.
These tyres feature robust sidewalls capable of withstanding high-speed impacts in off-road environments and are selected based on the type of terrain.
"All Rally1 cars competing on Safari Rally Kenya will use the Scorpion KX soft and hard tyres from official supplier Pirelli. The soft compound is the first choice for use in cool and damp conditions, while the hard compound is for warm and dry weather. Rally1 teams can use a maximum of 28 tyres for the event, including four for Shakedown," said the FIA.
KCAA announces temporary air traffic restrictions ahead of Naivasha event
The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally 2024 takes place in Naivasha, Kenya, during the Easter holidays.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) released an air traffic control schedule for temporary restricted areas.
KCAA said only 15 helicopters have been cleared to operate in the restricted areas between March 28 and March 31, 2024.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Delali Adogla-Bessa (Current Affairs Editor) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.
Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh
