RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...

- Charlen Raymond

HISTORY IN BRIEF

Since bursting onto South Africa's motorsport scene in 2009, the Simola Hillclimb has grown into what can only be described as one of the country's premiere motorsport events. Racing up the 1.9 km hill set within Knysna's picturesque Simola Estate, the annual event has attracted many competitors and participants from across the world.

Moreover, the event is regarded as one of motorsport's best hillclimbs - globally!

While the Simola Hillclimb is presently in its best shape yet, it has been anything but a smooth run over the years. Between 2010 and 2012, Renault came onboard as the event's initial title sponsor. Sadly, the French automaker's late withdrawal meant the 2013 event was left in poor shape, resulting in its cancellation.

Jaguar's run as title sponsor from 2014 to 2019 went some way to bringing Simola back from the brink and it would also mark the last time a manufacturer was involved in such a capacity. From 2020 onwards, the event would be known as the Simola Hillclimb, opening the door for more OEMs to get involved but not as title sponsors. This more open approach was seen as a positive step towards securing the event's future. Unfortunately, it coincided with its second-ever cancellation, this time owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ian Shrosbree, who founded the Simola Hillclimb alongside Chick Ramsay and Francis Cusens, told CAR about the golden rule that forms the event's backbone: "I think our golden rule is everyone must have fun. I think that's been key to it, you know.