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KNYSNA NEWS - André Bezuidenhout has got his weekend off to the best start imaginable, winning his sixth Simola Hillclimb title and his first Classic Conqueror win.
He held off defending champion Ian Schofield in the Classic Conqueror Shootout, clocking a time of 41,715 seconds in the final run of the day.
While Bezuidenhout has been a regular starter and podium placer in Classic Car Friday over the years, he's never quite been able to make the step to the top podium. Those top honours have more often than not belonged to the Simola Hillclimb's most successful driver ever, Franco Scribante.
However, for the second year running Scribante would not be able to challenge for the Classic Conqueror title as the engine in his Chevron B19 seized during Qualifying 3 this afternoon. This left the door wide open for Bezuidenhout and defending Classic Car Friday champion Ian Schofield, who had both been clocking some rapid times throughout the day, to have a go at top spot.
In the Classic Conqueror shootout Schofield couldn't make his one shot count, only managing to clock a 44-secons time. Bezuidenhout though managed to muster all of his King of the Hill experience and put together his and the overall best time of the day when it mattered most.
He managed to muscle his 1976 Lola T460 around the corners and up the Simola Hill in a time of 41,715 seconds to claim top spot on Friday. Bezuidenhout's maiden Classic Conqueror is his sixth title at the Simola Hillclimb, going along with his five King of the Hill titles.
He'll undoubtedly be hoping to carry this form over into the weekend. Action begins again on the Simola Hill at 09:05 tomorrow morning, Saturday 6 May.
André Bezuidenhout sets off from the start line during Qualifying 3.
Bezuidenhout rounds the second corner during his triumphant final run of the day.
After a successful final running, André Bezuidenhout makes his way back down the hill.
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