Clock ticking for Hillclimb entries

KNYSNA NEWS - Since the entry application process opened for the strictly invitational event in December 2021, there has been keen interest in the 2022 Simola Hillclimb from established competitors and former champions alike.

But notably, the organisers have also received a significant number of first-time applications for the 12th edition, which takes place from 6 to 8 May.

"Our objective is to keep the line-up of cars and competitors fresh and interesting each year, and it's fantastic to see several new names on the list of applications in 2022," says Geoff Goddard, sporting director of the Simola Hillclimb.

A total of 65 places are available in the Classic Car Friday line-up, and it is currently over 55% subscribed.

"It's important to note that the rules for Classic Car Friday have been tightened up from previous years to ensure that all competing vehicles match the original specification of the cars from the period they were produced or raced, with a maximum leeway of 10 years for any engine and drivetrain upgrades," Goddard explains.

In class H1 for pre-war cars, the switch to a handicap system has been met with an enthusiastic response, as six applications have been received to date.

The handicap system is set up to afford all drivers a chance at victory, despite the wide variety of cars competing. The other noteworthy change is class H8 which has moved away from recreated cars with modern running gear to period-correct pre-1977 single-seater, sports and GT race cars.

There are no class changes for King of the Hill, which starts on the Saturday morning and culminates in the big guns vying for King of the Hill honours in the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout on Sunday afternoon. A maximum of 84 slots are available, and this event is already over 70% subscribed.

Three category titles are up for grabs, with the Road-going Saloon Cars category including supercars and a class for hybrid, electric or solar-powered cars. The Supercars category has eight classes that cater for road-legal cars complying with the original manufacturer's specification and features hot hatchbacks, high-performance sedans and sports cars, and illustrious supercars.

Modified Saloon Cars allows for all manner of highly tuned tin-top race cars across nine classes that account for engine configuration, forced induction (turbocharging or supercharging) and drivetrain (two or four-wheel drive), as well as alternative energy sources.

The Single Seater and Sports Prototypes category is split into six classes, with three each for the two types of vehicles, and further differentiated by engine type.

Subject to Covid-19 travel restrictions, several international competitors will hopefully return to the fray for Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill. Similarly, spectator attendance will be dictated by prevailing government regulations, with the current scenario allowing 2 000 fans per day.

"With just over two weeks to go before entries close, we encourage all aspiring competitors to submit their applications as soon as possible, as no late submissions will be considered," Goddard says.

Neels Vosloo sets off from the line in his 1973 Porsche 911 RS. Photo: Rob Till