- Next Jaguar Simola Hillclimb dates; May 4-6 2017
- Find your entry applications here
- Invitational events again Classic Car Friday
KNYSNA, South Africa – Entry lists have opened for the ninth 2018 Simola Hillclimb which in 2017 drew 15 000 spectators to the high ground adjacent to one of the most beautiful river estuaries in the world.
The weekend-long event that claims to be South Africa’s premier annual motoring and motorsport lifestyle event will happen over May 4-6 2018.
Event director Ian Shrosbree told Carman’s Corner in a media release: “This Jaguar-sponsored event has grown in stature, competitiveness and appeal with each passing year. We’re delighted to have Jaguar on board for this the fifth consecutive year and expect an even more exciting entry list.”
READ MORE Simola Hillclimb features on Carman’s Corner
SImola is, however, a strictly a “by-invitation” event. Drivers and crews aspiring to compete will find the gateway to registration on the official Simola Hillclimb website to submit their expression of interest any time from October 3 2017 to January 26 2018.
To emphasise the demand for places: there were 225 for the 144 available slots in 2017. “Applications,” the organisers say, “will be accepted to produce the most spectacular and entertaining competitors for the three days of action.”
MAIN RACE TARGET
The 2018 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb will again be hosted by the beautiful and historic Garden Route town of Knysna and be, largely, be the same as that of 2017. The extended weekend will start with Classic Car Friday and its “dazzling array” of 64 iconic cars and drivers from many eras.
Their target will be to take home the 2018 Classic Conqueror Trophy won for the third time in 2017 by Franco Scribante.
“Saturday and Sunday,” Shrosbree said, “will bring out the big guns. Spectators can look forward to seeing showroom-spec sedans, sport cars, elite supercars, virtually priceless pure-bred race cars and purpose-built Hillclimb beasts being pushed to the limit on Simola Hill’s 1.9km course.”
MORE FOREIGN INTEREST
A maximum of 84 drivers will be racing for the King of the Hill titles in three categories:
- Road-going Saloons and Supercars
- Modified Saloons
- Single-seat and Sport Cars
The title holders in the same order are Reghardt Roets (Nissan GT-R), Wilhelm Baard (Nissan GT-R) and Andre Bezuidenhout (Dallara Ford F1).
“With foreign interest growing,” Shrosbree said, “more overseas competitors will join the ‘Fray in May’ to add allure to this truly exceptional automotive extravaganza.”
Carman's Corner 