KNYSNA NEWS - As everyone continues to get back into the swing of things for 2024, the Simola Hillclimb's countdown continues towards the 31 January deadline for aspiring competitors to enter for consideration for this year's event. This will be the 14th edition and will take place in Knysna from 2 to 5 May.
The event comprises Classic Car Friday on 3 May for the 'golden oldies', as well as two days of roaring King of the Hill action on 4 and 5 May for modern road and race cars that range from mild to completely wild.
Regardless of their age or pedigree, once the flag drops on the start line each car is driven up the Simola Hill with real vigour.
"The Simola Hillclimb is an invitational event where all of the applications are reviewed according to strict criteria to ensure that we deliver an exciting and diverse line-up of cars and drivers across the various classes," says sporting director Geoff Goddard.
They have had a superb response from Simola Hillclimb regulars and several new competitors, which has no doubt been bolstered by the high profile and success of the 2023 event.
To date they've received about 140 applications, split between Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill.
"We are on the verge of being oversubscribed for both categories, which is a fantastic position to be in," Goddard says.
Reigning King of the Hill champion André Bezuidenhout.
"The more applications we receive the better we are placed to choose a line-up that keeps the event fresh and engaging for the spectators that attend, as well as for the many fans around the world that watch the livestream."
Classic Car Friday allows for a maximum of 65 competitors while King of the Hill is restricted to 84 entries. Successful applicants will receive a formal invitation by 9 February.
One of the big innovations for this year is the addition of the new class B10 for Modified Street Cars. This allows enthusiast owners with modified or tuned street-legal cars to compete for class honours.
With just one week remaining before the deadline, competitors are encouraged to submit their applications for entry on the event website as soon as possible: www.simolahillclimb.com. – Supplied, Knysna Speed Festival
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
