Simola Hillclimb

KNYSNA NEWS - The Simola Hillclimb has added another high-profile international brand to its family of sponsors, with the announcement that BP Southern Africa has signed a four-year sponsorship commitment for what is renowned as the country's premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, and one of the top hillclimb events in the world.

The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb is expected to be the biggest and best yet, with an exceptional line-up of cars, as well as top-level local and international drivers, descending on Knysna from 1 to 4 May to compete in Classic Car Friday and the thrilling King of the Hill challenge.

'Partnership legacy'

Ian Shrosbree, MD of Knysna Speed Festival, which owns and runs the Simola Hillclimb, says it is fantastic that the renowned international fuel brand, which has a long history in South Africa and in local motorsport, supports the event.

"The BP brand and colours have been synonymous with so many international race teams, events and series over many decades, making it an honour for the Simola Hillclimb to join this roster and forge our own partnership legacy together."

Nokwanda Khumalo, general manager of mobility and convenience at BP Southern Africa, says: "We are honoured to bring our most advanced fuels brand, BP Ultimate with ACTIVE Technology, to the country's premier motorsport event."

Record attendance

The BP sponsorship reaffirms the unique proposition the Simola Hillclimb offers for engaging with the thousands of motoring and motorsport enthusiasts that attend the event each year. Last year's record attendance exceeded 19 000 people.

The online audience is even greater, thanks to the full livestream coverage, which offers significant additional exposure and value for sponsors as it reaches local and international enthusiasts.

Livestream feed

Last year the Simola Hillclimb livestream feed reached 85 countries, with almost 423 000 views and well over five million minutes of content delivered globally. Furthermore, the event's YouTube videos currently have more than 40 million views.