Epic battle looms at Hillclimb

KNYSNA NEWS - The Modified Saloon Car category of this year's Simola Hillclimb, set for 2 to 5 September, features some exceptional high-performance and race-bred machines across its various classes - and for B7, which caters for naturally aspirated cars with eight cylinders or more, it's pure supercar territory.

According to a press release issued by organisers Knysna Speed Festival, the line-up comprises several top contenders from Extreme Supercar and endurance racing, including the Lamborghinis of Ricky Giannoccaro (2014 Gallardo Super Trofeo), and the 2019 Huracan GT3 Evos of Charl Arangies and Silvio Scribante. Mixing it up in the class will be Franco di Matteo in his thundering 6.0-litre V8-powered Jaguar from the V8 Supercars championship, and Stiaan Kriel in a Lexus V8-powered Backdraft Cobra raced in the SA Endurance Series.

In class B3 for four-cylinder four-wheel drive cars, Simola Hillclimb regular Anton Cronjé is sure to be a Top 10 Shootout contender once again in his powerful 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

He will be competing for class honours against Pierre Bester (2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG), Juan van Rensburg (2001 Audi TT), and Robby Ferroli in a turbocharged 1980 VW Golf. There's also the pair of 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9s of Capetonians Nic Schwerdtfeger and Shane Naidu.

Hillclimb regular Clare Vale will be back in action in class B2 for four-cylinder two-wheel drive cars, leading the charge in her distinctive 2013 Subaru BR-Z, along with Owen Bridger (2007 Honda Civic Type R), circuit racing ace Lee Thompson in a 2016 VW Golf GTI GTC2-category race car, and Bob Neill in a 2017 Ford Focus ST.

Ricky Giannoccaro in his 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo.

And now, for something completely different…

Pickups, or bakkies as they are known in South Africa, aren't typically something you would associate with a motor sport event on a road course; however, they are ingrained in South African culture, so it's no surprise that they will feature at the Simola Hillclimb.

The Lindenberg family's brawny Road to Race (RTR) supercharged V8 Savage 660 Ford Ranger will be lighting up its tyres on the Simola Hill once again - but this time Peter Lindenberg and daughter Paige are trading seats, with dad competing in the ultra-rare Shelby Mustang in the Road Car and Supercar category, and Paige aiming to tame the Savage.

Paige Lindenberg in her 2018 Ford Ranger RTR Savage 660.

They won't have the only bakkie in the line-up, as Francois Fritz will be fulfilling his long-time ambition of competing at the Simola Hillclimb. His weapon is in the form of a 2011 Toyota Hilux that had its normal 3.0-litre diesel engine replaced with Toyota's Japanese-market 5.0-litre V12 engine, with twin turbos bolted on for good measure.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ryno Scheepers will be back in his vintage 1976 Mazda F1000 - but this won't be a shrinking violet, as the tiny vehicle is powered by a high-revving turbocharged 13B rotary engine with an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

Also expect Udo de Beurges to be in contention for class honours with his 2019 Audi RSQ3 performance SUV.

Shane Naidu steers his 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 FQ around the first corner. Photos: Rob Till