Six manufacturers to join 2023 Hillcimb

KNYSNA NEWS - Ahead of the 13th edition of what organisers consider to be South Africa's premier motorsport event, the Simola Hillclimb will welcome a record number of vehicle manufacturers this year.

The 2023 Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 4 to 7 May, will see six manufacturers supporting the event with official entries, with four of the brands also signing up as event partners.

"For the past three years we have been working exceptionally hard to expand the manufacturer support and participation in the Simola Hillclimb to broaden its appeal for spectators and competitors, and give the vehicle brands an unrivalled platform to highlight their latest products, performance and heritage," said Ian Shrosbree, managing director of the Knysna Speed Festival, that runs the Simola Hillclimb.

"Moving away from having a [sole] manufacturer as a title sponsor from the 2021 event onwards allowed us to engage with other brands, and we have been encouraged by a steady growth in involvement each year," Shrosbree says.

"We are delighted to have six manufacturers lined up for this year, which elevates the profile and status of the Simola Hillclimb to even greater heights."

Wesley Greybe muscles his 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport up the Simola Hill during the 2022 edition of the Simola Hillclimb. Photos: Blake Linder

Suzuki

Suzuki Auto South Africa is a Tier 1 partner for 2023, marking its third consecu-tive year of sponsoring the event. Along with its Tier 1 sponsorship, for the second year in a row Suzuki will feature two standard Swift Sport entries competing in the standard production class.

The company will also display the latest addition to its SUV line-up, and fans can look forward to demonstration runs with its newest motorcycle offerings.

BMW

Following its participation as an entrant last year, BMW South Africa has stepped up its involvement to become a Tier 1 partner for the 2023 Simola Hillclimb. While the vehicle and driver line-up is still being finalised, fans can be assured that there will be lots to look forward to.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has progressively stepped up its participation in the Simola Hillclimb over the past couple of years, and has signed up as a Tier 2 partner for 2023. The Volkswagen line-up will include the powerful Polo SupaCup race car that featured in the 2022 event, along with two Golf R entries in the production vehicle class.

Honda

Joining the fray for the first time as a Tier 2 partner is Honda Motor Southern Africa. "This is the first time that Honda will be participating in the Simola Hillclimb, and we are delighted to be a Tier 2 partner for this prestigious event," says Letitia Herold, marketing and PR manager for Honda Motor Southern Africa.

Hyundai

Hyundai South Africa returns as the media shuttle partner for the second consecutive year, supplying the Staria buses to transport the press contingent to designated photo-graphic locations along the Simola Hill course.

More noteworthy for hot hatch fans, though, is the official entry of the Hyundai i30N, which will be driven by Joshua Lowe, Hyundai's regional sales and N-sport manager.

Ford

Fresh from its South African launch, the new V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor will provide an unusual twist on the performance vehicle theme with the backing of Ford South Africa, and will compete in the unlimited class for sports utility/activity vehicles and bakkies.

Ciro de Siena powers the 2022 BMW i4 M50 up the Simola Hill last year.