The fun-filled weekend started on Friday, May 16 with the pre-1975cars competing in Classic Car Friday and culminated on Sunday, May 18 when the muscular engines competed for the King of the Hill crown.
While the classic, by no means sedate pre-1975 cars battled it out for the title of Classic Conqueror, Knysna's streets resembled those of Monaco as the younger and in some cases fiercer cars thrilled onlookers.
The excitement was palpable among the throngs of car enthusiasts, especially when Greg Patron sped past in his 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. Knysna's Tanya Watts with her bright smile and fist-pumping attitude stole the hearts of the spectators as she drove by in her 2007 Audi RS4.
Franco Scribante make history in his 1970 Chevron B19 when he won the title of Classic Conqueror and, two days later, the title of King of the Hill. He also broke the 2012 record of 41.933 seconds record when he took the chequered flag in a quick 41.1 seconds. Desmond Gutzeit in his Nissan crossed the finish line in 41.705 seconds, followed by the 2008 Nissan GTR driven by Darron Gudmanz in 41.900 seconds.
The crowd threw their support behind the feisty Watts and loud cheers could be heard as she negotiated the 2km stretch of the Simola hill. These cheers were echoed when she was crowned as Queen of the Hill during Sunday's prize-giving. Following the rain during Friday night, the muddy walk-ways added to the excitement with spectators slipping and sliding, as did several of the cars on the track. Sadly a few competitors' cars were damaged during the weekend, but thankfully no drivers were physically injured, although some were left with their egos somewhat bruised.
Deon Schoeman of DSTV's RPM crashed a brand new Jaguar F-type after overshooting one of the corners on the track. A mechanical malfunction caused Jacques Wheeler to lose control of his pristine 2009 Mercedes Benz Sl65 Black series. This car, with a list price of $300 000 (over R3-million), careened in and out of a culvert before driving over a few safety tyres, resulting in an abrupt end to Wheeler's weekend racing.
Besides the excitement of the 80 contestants racing up the hill in lightening speed, motorcycle stunts and aerobatics entertained the thousands of spectators during the breaks.
"Thank you to all the spectators, all the drivers and all those involved. Without you there would be no event," said Kevin Flynn, Jaguar South Africa MD. "Until next year, feel alive," he concluded.
Winner of this year's Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, Franco Scribante, negotiating a corner in his 1970 Chevron B19.
Local Knysna Policeman, Francois Cowley brought smiles to many faces as he raced past in his 1989 BMW 325 with its rooftop slogan, Drive it like it's stolen. Cowley took second place in the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb A3 category.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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