KNYSNA SIMOLA HILL CLIMB 2019

Certainly one of the best events that happens around South Africa at present. This chique, well organised 'festival of speed' reminds me of a european event that one watches on the telly and always wishes to attend. But the vast Indian Ocean is in my pathway of getting to Germany, France or Italy.  

Thankfully the guys at Jaguar see the value in having such an epic motorsport event in the foot of our beautful African continent. 

The only gripe i have with this event is getting to the allcoated parking areas, getting to it and getting out of it, and it becomes even worst if it rains. If you plan to go and dont have a 4x4 then rather park at the Knysna Waterfront Parking and take a shuttle up to the Entrance at the Simola Hill. 

Overview of the event 

"The 2019 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb will run over four days – from Thursday 2 May to Sunday 5 May and will include the following elements (listed in chronological order):

Classic Car Friday Car Display and Waterfront Drive Parade

Get up close and personal with the Classic Car Friday drivers and their cars while they are being scrutineered and are displayed  from 09h00 – 14.45 on Thursday 2 May in Hedge Street, Knysna.
At 14h45 the cars will do a parade starting from Hedge Street and continuing along Waterfront Drive.

Classic Car Friday

Classic Car Friday opens competitive proceedings for the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb on Friday 3 May 2019 and caters exclusively for historic, classic and vintage cars.

Glorious cars from pre-war to 1985 will grace the hill during the course of the day, while drivers, friends and spectators are encouraged to attend in period dress.

As with the King of the Hill entries, the event is an invitational and we are always oversubscribed for Classic Car Friday. The same entry procedure is followed with drivers invited to express an interest in entering the event. All applicants are evaluated by a committee to determine whether car driver and/or machinery meet the set criteria.

Classic Car Friday offers a unique atmosphere and a collection of cars that is not to be missed.

Track action is from 08h30-15h00 with the field limited to 64 cars.

King of the Hill Car Display and Waterfront Drive Parade

As with the Classic Car Friday competitors, the King of the Hill cars will start assembling from 09h00 on Friday morning for scrutineering in Hedge Street, after which they will be put on display for the public to view and meet-and-greet the drivers as a precursor to the Waterfront Drive parade.

The King of the Hill competitor parade will take place on Friday 3 May at 17h00. The cars will drive from Hedge Street onto Waterfront Drive, where they will be allowed to demonstrate their abilities en route to the N2 intersection. Safe viewing areas will be available from the Knysna High School sports field. This will be limited to participating cars only and is one of Knysna town’s annual highlights.

The King of the Hill Shootout

Saturday and Sunday’s action has been dubbed the King of the Hill Shootout and is where the country’s fastest machinery will duel it out on the Simola hill. With entries in the Shootout limited to 84 cars, demand for places in the event is oversubscribed with all spots allocated well before the closing date for entries.

The event is now an invitation event for competitors. Drivers are invited to express an interest in entering the event. All applicants are evaluated by a committee to determine whether car driver and/or machinery meet the set criteria.

Preference will be given to competitors and cars with a strong motorsport history and/or heritage and/or spectator value. These do not have to be the most expensive cars, just the most interesting. This is to ensure that fans will witness some of the country’s meanest, sleekest, prettiest and most spectacular cars taking to the track during the weekend.

The identified list of potential entries will then be invited to enter the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb."

EVENT HISTORY https://www.speedfestival.co.za/info/history/

There arent many BMW cars that take part in this event.  Those that did include : 

GRAEME NATHAN - 1972 E9 CSI

ADRIAN DALTON - 2008 M3

RICK LOUREIRO - 92 E30 325iS 

GORDON NICHOLSON - 2016 I8   

GENNARO BONAFEDE - 2019 M2 COMPETITION 

& FEROZ EBRAHIM - 2009 Z4M 

While I didnt attend the Classic Car Friday feature i did make it in time for the qualifying on the Saturday and then again attended the Sunday runs. 

These were some Beemers that i spotted upon entering the event.  

 Below are pics that are not BMWs but i have to share part of the experience nonetheless. This fantastic event is a must for every petrol head. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2019 RESULTS AND WINNERS !!