Simola Hillclimb – literally around the corner
If the most spectacular and fastest cars in the country are your thing, there’s only one place you need to be from May 4-7, 2023: at the 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna. This year’s event will be bigger and better in every way, and that’s not just for the exceptional road and race cars that will be racing up the 1.9km Simola Hill, but also for the dazzling list of high-profile local and international drivers like WRC and WRX champion Petter Solberg who will be in the mix.
There really is something for everyone and there are plenty of attractions to get the adrenaline pumping – even before the actual event: Classic Car Friday takes place on 5 May, followed by King of the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 May.
“Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill are obviously the main attractions at the Simola Hillclimb, but there is so much more to this event to enthral motoring and motorsport enthusiasts of all ages and interests, including a Fan Fest and the popular street parades,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival which owns the Simola Hillclimb. “This all helps build the atmosphere and excitement leading into the main events and allows all of Knysna’s residents to enjoy a part of the Hillclimb.”
The Fan Fest will be held on Thursday and Friday (4th and 5th of May) from 11h00 on the Knysna High School grounds and surrounding streets. Entry is free to see the many new cars that will be on display, along with other car-related items and merchandise.
Those who would like to see the cars that will be taking part in the event up close before the actual Speed Festival gets underway can attend the official scrutineering on Thursday, 4 May, from 9.00 to 14.30 at Hedge Street in Knysna, for Classic Car Friday participants, and at the same time the next day for King of the Hill participants.
Nothing beats the sights and sounds of these spectacular cars on the move, and the street parades are always among the major event highlights. Secure your spot along the scenic Waterfront Drive on Thursday 4 May from 14h45 to 15h15 to see the classic cars parading by, and on Friday from 17h15 to 17h45 for the road cars and pure race-bred machines that will compete in King of the Hill.
Ticket holders can look forward to plenty of further attractions once through the gates into the Simola Hillclimb. Gasoline Alley is the main public viewing area to see the cars charging up the steep Simola Hill. It has some of the best views of the track and, of course, the scenic Knysna Heads and estuary as a breathtaking backdrop.
Tickets can be purchased on the event website, with the prices for General Entry remaining unchanged from last year. Upgrades are available for Pit Access, Turn 2 Grandstand seating and VIP Parking.
For the ultimate VIP experience, the Le Mans Hospitality Lounge provides mouth-watering catering, an unbeatable viewing point overlooking the start line, as well as General Entry and Pit Access.
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The 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 4 to 7 May 2023.
More information on the Simola Hillclimb is available on the website: www.simolahillclimb.com
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