What makes it unique and exciting is the wide range of cars raced by both famous and amateur drivers of all ages. Spectators are drawn to the event to ogle at the classics of yesteryear and the high-tech wizardry of modern supercars.
This year's event takes place from May 14 to 17.
It’s all about raw performance, speed, grit and determination – and, of course, razor-sharp driver skill and focus – to chip away at the tenths and hundredths of a second that ultimately determine who is crowned King of the Hill for 2015.
Well over 10 000 spectators soaked up the thrills, spills and non-stop action in 2014. With even more to offer this year, the numbers are expected to grow further as traditionally peaceful Knysna is transformed into South Africa’s motorsport capital.
The event is very popular and entries have been pouring in, indicating the huge attraction an event of this type has with the motoring enthusiasts of South Africa.
King of the Hill caters for a maximum of 80 entries, comprising both production cars and race vehicles, while the very popular Classic Car Friday sees 50 beautifully prepared classic road-going and race cars giving it their all as they are powered up the sinewy tarmac towards the finish line at the Simola Golf and Country Estate.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of entries received, and delighted that the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb continues to be regarded as South Africa’s pre-eminent motorsport event,” says Geoff Goddard who heads competitor liaison.
Last year’s winner, Franco Scribante, will be back to defend his title and record-breaking time of 41.159 seconds. However, a change in the rules prevents him from competing in the same car in both the Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill.
Accordingly, he has entered Classic Car Friday with the 1970 Chevron B19 he used to dominate last year’s event. For King of the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, Scribante will be competing in a Chevron B26 powered by a specially developed 3.2-litre V8 Suzuki engine.
He will be facing off against a brace of previous winners and motorsport legends, including 2012 champion Jade Gutzeit in a highly modified Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7, and 2010 winner Geoff Mortimer in a turbocharged Nissan 350Z.
Certainly one of the other main drawcards will be Supercar Thursday which has been introduced for the first time. Although this is a non-competitive event the runs will be timed, thus giving owners of these high-performance supercars a rare opportunity to push their cars to the limit. Spectators will be able to see the dazzling array of dream machines being unleashed on the hill throughout the day.
The annual Knysna Motor Show will take place at the Knysna High School sports field on Saturday, May 9 and will give a taste of some of the cars that will be seen at the Hillclimb the following week, since the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb will have a stand at the show where a number of competitor cars can be viewed.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
