The Renault Simola Hillclimb is one of the most exciting motor sport events staged in South Africa, with drivers pushing themselves and their cars to the limit as they race up the Simola Hill in a daring race against the clock. These committed drivers are prepared to risk personal injury and damage to their cars in pursuit of getting the best possible times up the hill. The nature of a hill climb means that there is no real run-off area, so the drivers are always aware of the dangers they are exposing themselves to. All of which provides much of the excitement and drama for the spectators.

The privateer contestants that crashed and, who committed many months and large amounts of their own money preparing their cars for the event, took a heavy blow with no insurance to cover them when they were unlucky enough to destroy their cars in spectacular accidents. They all were aware that this is the nature of the sport and everyone must accept the risks involved.

In this regard a number of participants have expressed interest in supporting a fund to assist current and future drivers participating in the Hillclimb, as a part of a community of motor sport fans. One of the participant's sponsors, HAB International in an effort to assist these drivers has put out a challenge to everyone involved. They have donated R 1,000 (One Thousand Rand), to a "Hillclimb Crash Fund" to be split between these drivers on an equitable basis taking into account the damage incurred, and challenge all out there to equal or better their donation. The donations can be in the form of a voucher for spare parts as well. {simplepopup}

Banking details are as follows:
Bank: FNB
Branch: Knysna
Branch Code: 210 214
Account Name: Knysna Speed Festival
Account number: 622 332 713 61
Account type: Cheque
Reference: Hillclimb Accident Fund

For further information please contact Francis Cusens at francis@speedfestival.co.za or 083 266 8194

BMW's hybrid 5, Honda's latest hatch, a sexy Opel – and classic cars galore

BMW has officially joined the growing hybrid car fray with its Active Hybrid 5. It looks and feels like … well, a BMW 5-Series. But it's meant to be greener than the 535i it's based on. We drive it in Cape Town.

Also on the menu this week is a first test of the all-new Honda Civic five-door hatchback. Tested here in flagship 2.2 i-DTEC form, the newcomer impresses on most counts.

The Opel brand might have lost some of its lustre, but the Astra GTC should put some much-needed shine back. It may not have the go to match the show, but the sleek shape and tidy road manners augur well for the upcoming, high-performance OPC version.