"Competitors, fans and spectators were unanimous in their praise for a professionally run event that has become an important part of the calendar of activities which makes Knysna the sought after destination which it is," said Ian Shrosbree, Knysna Speed Festival organiser.
This year's Knysna Speed Festival aimed to and succeeded in pleasing a very wide spectrum of people by providing several diverse events, such as the 4x4 Challenge in the Denron quarry as well as the eco-friendly trails at the Elephant Trail. Romance and nostalgia were catered for during the Motor Show and Classic Car Friday while adrenaline junkies had their fix during the Renault Simola Hillclimb.
The 'nursery school of Formula I' provided high-speed racing energy during the Karting Grand Prix, while all ages enjoyed the fun of the Soap Box Derby and the Slot Car Challenge.
"This year's Hillclimb was a resounding success and the worthy highlight to a fun-filled week," said Shrosbree.
"Many thousands of visitors enjoyed the wide range of attractions which Knysna so generously offers, while attending the world class events of the Knysna Speed Festival," he added.
The weather was kind most of the time, and although it rained on occasion, spectators and contestants celebrated the challenges and the camaraderie "which is a real feature of the festival".
"The event was made possible because of the generous sponsorship from the many wonderful sponsors and the selfless and dedicated hard work from the volunteers from the MG Car Club, Rotary, Animal Welfare, NSRI and youngsters from Knysna High School," concluded Shrosbree.
Overall winners
4x4 Challenge: Koos Scholtz was the winner in the Standard class and Attie de Klerk in the Standard Modified class.
Karting Grand Prix: Geoff Stephen won the senior race and Thomas van der Merwe the junior race. Dale Fourie won the Clubman's title and young Kenzo Barnard the Cadetts' title. JP Hammon won the 60cc title.
Soap Box Derby: Corporate Day - Just Hire It with driver Mark Sofianos; Schools Day - Thembelitsha Primary Schol won in the primary school category and Wittedrift High School in the category for secondary schools.
The Classic Conqueror of the Renault Simola Hill was Corban Slabbert driving a 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S. The DJ Challenge was won by Arod and the mighty giant slayer Jade Gutzeit won the keenly contested King of the Hill Shootout in his special Nissan Skyline.
For further information visit www.speedfestival.co.za or the Knysna Speed Festival on Facebook or follow the Knysna Speed Festival on Twitter.
King of the Hill 2012, Jade Gutzeit in his 2010 Nissan Skyline took top honours in the Knysna Speed Festival Renault Simola Hillclimb.
