Hillclimb heaven for motoring enthusiasts

The excitement and anticipation is building rapidly for this year’s Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, and motoring enthusiasts are guaranteed the very best action throughout the weekend’s jam-packed programme, from 6 to 8 May.

The line-up of cars – several of which will be driven by some of SA’s top race and rally drivers – is staggering to say the least, and will be sure to have spectators totally enthralled as they are raced up the challenging 1.9 km Simola Hill.

A total of 60 cars have been accepted for Classic Car Friday, and all of the competitors – spread across eight classes – will have three open practice runs to familiarise themselves with the course. This is followed by three qualifying runs that will determine the top trio in each class. The class final takes the form of a single-run shoot-out to determine the podium positions and category winners.

This ultimately leads to the final shootout, comprising the 10 fastest competitors from the qualifying runs. They set off in reverse order from slowest to fastest times, raising the stakes as each car charges off the line with the aim of setting the quickest time and earning the prestige of being crowned Classic Conqueror for 2016.

In total, almost 400 runs are scheduled to be completed by the classics, ensuring plenty of excitement throughout the day.

For King of the Hill it gets even more fascinating. From the standard road cars to the exotics, the mighty V8 silhouette cars to the lightweight sports racers and even a Formula 1 car for the first time, the line-up of more than 80 cars will be as breathtaking as it is diverse.

The adrenaline starts pumping on Saturday with five practice runs kicking the programme into gear, followed by the first two qualifying runs. The pace gets even hotter on Sunday, starting off with a warm-up run and the remaining four qualifying opportunities.

The fastest three competitors in each of the 19 classes progress to the finals, which sorts out who stands where on the three steps of the class podiums.

Thereafter the needle surges straight into the redline as the 10 fastest competitors that elected to compete in the SuperCar Shootout line up for their final assault on The Hill – once again blasting off for their single-run dash in reverse order as they fight for the inaugural trophy in this exciting new category.

Ultimately, the weekend culminates in the greatest spectacle of them all, as the fastest qualifiers throughout the two days of competition meet in the thrilling top 10 shoot-out for the King of the Hill title.

Every year, the intrigue and anticipation is palpable from the pit lane to the top of the Simola Hill as the rip-roaring machines, driven by the most daring and skilled drivers, scythe their way up the road course with inch-perfect precision – and the fans witness the times tumble and the rankings change as each run is completed.

It’s a festival of pure adrenaline and action like no other, with well over 1 000 runs making up the King of the Hill schedule!

When the timing boards are eventually switched off on Sunday evening, signalling the end of the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, more than 1 400 runs and over 2 600 km will have been completed throughout the three days of competition. It just doesn’t get better than this!

Exceptional value for spectators

The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb represents the absolute pinnacle of South African motorsport, with the greatest numbers of cars, the largest concentration of SA’s top drivers, Gasoline Alley to add further interest and activities, food stalls galore, and a programme bursting at the seams – thus ensuring its well-earned status as the country’s premier motorsport event, and one of Knysna’s top award-winning attractions.

The event is designed as a fun-filled family event for motoring and motorsport enthusiasts, with accessible ticket prices making it as appealing as ever.

Various options are available, including single-day passes, weekend passes for the Saturday and Sunday, as well as a limited number of pit access tickets.

A shuttle service will also be available, running from the Knysna Waterfront to the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb throughout all three days to facilitate easier parking and hassle-free access to the event.