Hillclimb: Limited ticket sales open

KNYSNA NEWS - For the first time since 2019, members of the public have the chance to attend the Simola Hillclimb, with ticket sales last week going live for the event which is scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 May.

"We are looking forward to once again having spectators at the Simola Hillclimb, as they are such an important part of the event," said Ian Shrosbree, MD of Knysna Speed Festival, who owns and runs the Simola Hillclimb, in a press release last week.

"Although we managed to put on a good show last year, including lifting the game as far as our live-stream of the entire event was concerned, it didn't have the atmosphere and excitement that comes with having enthusiasts and fans present."

Based on the latest government restrictions for Covid-19, the Hillclimb will be able to accommodate a maximum of 3 300 spectators per day.

To gain access to the event, competitors, support crews and spectators will need to produce either a vaccination certificate (double vaccination required) or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.

"We will have strict compliance with the spectator limits, so buying your tickets early is more important than ever," Shrosbree adds.

"We anticipate that there won't be many, if any, tickets available at the gate, so we recommend that all fans who don't want to miss the event get in now to avoid disappointment."

2020 tickets honoured

The Simola Hillclimb is very pleased that its faithful fans who purchased tickets for the cancelled 2020 event and did not request a refund, will have their tickets honoured this year.

"We are extremely grateful to these fans who have been so patient over the past two years, waiting for the opportunity to make use of their tickets. Their support helped the event survive and we owe them a great deal of thanks," Shrosbree says. All 2020 ticket holders will be contacted by Howler, the Simola Hillclimb's ticketing company, and issued new tickets for the 2022 event.

There's an added bonus of discounted pricing when purchasing tickets online - an advantage that most people will appreciate in the current economic climate.

Access

The grounds will be open from the start line all the way up to and including the popular Gasoline Alley. As in previous years, visitors can build their own Simola Hillclimb package by upgrading their general entry ticket to include pit access - however, numbers are limited to ensure exclusivity and promote overall safety in the busy pit lane.

The good news for local and even international fans not able to secure tickets or travel to this year's event is that all three days will be live-streamed on the Simola Hillclimb website and Facebook page.

Additionally, SABC Sport enters its second year as the national free-to-air broadcast partner, and will provide live coverage and regular crossings. For more information on the Simola Hillclimb and ticket prices and packages, you can visit Simola Hillclimb Website.

Crowds will once again be able to line the Simola Hillclimb track. Photos: Rob Till