The 14th edition of the iconic Simola Hillclimb will take place over the first weekend in May (May 2nd – 5th). The twelve months since the rainy yet thrilling 2023 edition have flown by like Andre Bezuidenhout’s record-holding Gould GR55, and once again the attention of the country’s motorsports fans will be turning to a steep hill outside Knysna.
The 1.9km course has been the setting for some epic duels in recent years, and fans can expect more of the same as challengers attempt to dethrone Bezuidenhout after his six successive Simola titles. Last year saw a great crowd (despite the weather) and new attractions this year seem certain to swell those numbers.
Contenders powered by Motul at this year’s event will include defending King of the Hill Andre Bezuidenhout, Franco Scribante (Scuderia Scribante) and BB Racing’s Reggie Roets, as well as Farhad Ebrahim (The Car Collector) and Gary Martins (Grease Monkey), who will all pit their vehicles and skills against the demanding Simola gradients.
Graeme Nathan of VW Motorsport will also be running Motul’s performance products including Motul 300V, as will Border Towing, who will be represented by the father-and-sons team of Wade, Jody and Martin van Zimmerman. They will be lining up alongside Aldo and Silvio Scribante, also of Scuderia Scribante.
“As the defending Simola Hillclimb champion, I’m conscious that I have a target on my back,” joked Andre Bezuidenhout. ”After testing the car at Killarney this week I am confident with the early performance, albeit that I know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep ahead of my competitors. My all-time lap record (set in 2022) could be in danger if the rains stay away,” he added.
“Last year I arguably pushed a little too hard and ended up sliding wide on the S-bends – I managed to save it, but that cost me vital time,” admitted Reghard ‘Reggie’ Roets as he reflected on Simola 2023. “I’m certainly ready to fight for the title again this year,” he added.
As part of the festivities during the weekend, renowned ‘King of Drift’ and Motul Athlete, Jim McFarlane (XS Promotions), will be exchanging his more usual arenas for the steep slopes of Simola as he performs demo drifting rides on the course – the perfect prelude to the competition.
“We’re delighted to continue our close association with competitors at the Simola Hillclimb Speed Festival,” commented Mercia Jansen, Motul General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. “We are looking forward to cheering on our partners, and seeing how our flagship racing engine lubricant, Motul 300V, performs. Motul has a full range of exceptional performance fluids including RBF 700 brake fluid and various gear oils, all formulated for high-performance vehicles and tuned engines in severe driving conditions. Simola is the perfect testing ground to showcase these products,” she added.
The Simola Hillclimb is known for the unparalleled trackside access it offers to fans – for tickets and full event information, visit: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/
