As everyone gets back into the swing of things for 2024, the Simola Hillclimb’s countdown continues towards the closing date of 31 January for aspiring competitors to submit their applications for entry to compete in this year’s event. This will be the 14th edition, which takes place in Knysna from 2 to 5 May.
The Simola Hillclimb is renowned as South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, showcasing some of the most extreme, valuable and fastest cars in the country, and an equally impressive line-up of local and international drivers. Competitors vie for glory on the tight and twisty 1.9 km Simola Hill course which is located in one of South Africa’s most scenic towns along the world-renowned Garden Route.
The event comprises Classic Car Friday on 3 May for the ‘golden oldies’, as well as two days of roaring King of the Hill action on 4 and 5 May for modern road and race cars that range from mild to completely wild. Regardless of their age or pedigree, once the flag drops on the start line each car is driven up the Simola Hill with real vigour.
With just two weeks remaining before the deadline, competitors are encouraged to submit their applications for entry on the event website as soon as possible: www.simolahillclimb.com.
“The Simola Hillclimb is an invitational event where all of the applications are reviewed according to strict criteria to ensure that we deliver an exciting and diverse line-up of cars and drivers across the various classes,” says sporting director Geoff Goddard.
“We’ve had a superb response from Simola Hillclimb regulars and several new competitors, which has no doubt been bolstered by the high profile and success of the 2023 event,” Goddard says.
“To date we’ve received around 140 applications, split between Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill. We are on the verge of being oversubscribed for both categories, which is a fantastic position to be in,” Goddard says. “The more applications we receive the better we are placed to choose a line-up that keeps the event fresh and engaging for the spectators that attend, as well as for the many fans around the world that watch the livestream.” Classic Car Friday allows for a maximum of 65 competitors while King of the Hill is restricted to 84 entries. Successful applicants will receive a formal invitation by 9 February.
One of the big innovations for this year is the addition of the new class B10 for Modified Street Cars. This allows enthusiast owners with modified or tuned street-legal cars to compete for class honours.
A fan favourite
One of the main drawcards for fans attending the Simola Hillclimb is that they can get close to all the action, with numerous spectacular viewpoints located along the 1.9 km course, either in the formal grandstands or the open grassed areas. For the ultimate Simola Hillclimb experience, VIP Hospitality packages are available with an unrivalled view of the start line complemented by first-class catering.
As part of the upgrades available, enthusiasts can purchase Pit Access tickets to see the cars and drivers close up in all their glory, but the numbers are strictly limited and sell out fast.
The main event is supported by an extensive array of activities and attractions to enthral fans of all ages throughout the weekend including car shows and displays, the extremely popular parade laps through Knysna, regular demonstration runs, a variety of vendors in Gasoline Alley and a delectable range of local food and beverages.
Ticket sales and upgrades are open, and are all seamlessly processed through the event website for General Entry, VIP Hospitality, VIP Parking, Turn 2 Grandstand or Esses Grandstand seating, as well as Pit Access tickets: www.simolahillclimb.com.
The 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 2 to 5 May 2024.
More information and online ticket sales are available on the Simola Hillclimb website: www.simolahillclimb.com
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