By Miles Downard
Anyone who has even a vague interest in South African motorsport knows of the hillclimb that takes place in Knysna each year. It has iconic status, up there with the biggest and best events the country has to offer motor enthusiasts.
After scrutineering and documentation on Thursday 4 May, the on-track action gets underway on Friday 5 May with Classic Car Friday, featuring 64 entries spanning a total of 58 years of motoring and motor racing pedigree – along with some of the most iconic names in the automotive business.
The main event, King of the Hill, takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with the 84-car entry list comprising everything from purpose-built Hillclimb monsters with up to 1 500 hp (over 1 100 kW) on tap to specialised lightweight single-seater race cars, exotic supercars and stunning road cars. The action will be dialled into the red this year as there are three King of the Hill titles and Jody trophies up for grabs across the various categories.
Aside from the cars, fans will be treated to some of South Africa’s most famous drivers gracing this year’s event, along with a strong contingent of international competitors from Inde Motorsports Ranch in the US as one of the many highlights.
The big change this year, which marks a new milestone for the event, is that for the first time in its 8-year history the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb will be broadcast live to fans across the globe for limited periods each day.
Fans will be able to join and watch the Live Stream broadcast directly from device of choice, provided it has an internet connection of course. Six cameras placed at strategic points on track and pre-recorded interviews and inserts will keep viewers abreast of the action each day as well as for prize giving on Friday and Sunday.
Broadcast times are as follows:
Friday 5 May: 13h00 to 16h15
Saturday 6 May: 14h30 to 16h45
Sunday 7 May: 13h30 to 17h15
To view the action log in via www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com.
