- Non-stop action throughout the weekend, starts with scrutineering on Thursday
- Town Parade, Main Street Exhibition provide exciting prelude to the races
- Convenient shuttle service between Knysna Waterfront and Hillclimb entrance
- Superb spectator points to witness all the Hillclimb action
The highly anticipated 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is set to roar into action just one week from now, and will transform the quaint town of Knsyna into a motorsport paradise.
The build-up for SA’s premier, must-attend motor racing event commences on Thursday 5 May, with documentation and scrutineering for the Classic Car Friday competitors taking place at the Knysna Waterfront, from 09h00 to 13h30. This is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to see the cars for the first time. Thereafter the competitors head for the Town Parade, which starts at 14h45, and is sure to raise the excitement level several notches.
King of the Hill competitors can do their documentation and scrutineering from 15h00 on Thursday, or from 08h00 to 13h30 on Friday, followed by an exhibition of the dazzling line-up of cars in Main Street, Knysna, from 3 to 4 pm.
After a year of preparation, Simola Hill will come alive to the spine-tingling sounds of high performance engines being revved to the limit when practice kicks off at 08h30 for the 60 cars competing in Classic Car Friday. The jam-packed programme of practice and qualifying runs leads to class finals at around 14h25, the Classic Conqueror Top 10 Shootout starting at approximately 14h55, followed by prize-giving.
For the two adrenaline-charged days that make up the King of the Hill challenge, the first of more than 80 cars set off at 09h00 each day. The Class Finals are scheduled to begin at 15h00 on Sunday 8 May, followed by the exciting new SuperCar Shootout, and the nail-biting King of the Hill Top 10 final one-lap dash at 15h50. This is followed by prize-giving at 16h25 and a fun-filled street party in the pits from 5 pm.
The organisers have put a huge amount of effort into this event to make it as spectator-friendly as possible, including providing a convenient shuttle service that runs between the Knysna Waterfront and the main entrances throughout the weekend – at a cost of just R10 per person each way.
Two drop-off points are available – either at the main entrance near the pit complex, or at the bridge above Turn 3 that provides access to Gasoline Alley and the spectator areas. Public parking is available adjacent to the Gasoline Alley entrance, with access best suited to 4x4s and vehicles with high ground clearance.
Superb spectator points are provided throughout the 1.9 km Hillclimb course, beginning with the area opposite the pit complex and the start line where all the tyre-smoking, rip-roaring action begins. Visitors with Pit Access Tickets will be able to get up close and personal with their motorsport heroes and their iconic cars, making for an even more memorable weekend.
One of the most spectacular and popular places to watch the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is at Turn 3, either seeing the cars hit their maximum speed towards the end of the long uphill straight, or just after the turn as they accelerate towards the fast Turn 4.
The snaking sequence of Turns 5, 6 and 7 are also a firm favourite as the drivers aim for the tightest line in the final sprint to the finish.
Food and beverage vendors, as well as mobile toilet facilities, are located at the main spectator areas, while Gasoline Alley provides a hive of activities, stalls and attractions to enthral the entire family, including a kiddies play area with jumping castles and face painting.
Jaguar will have its exciting new F-PACE on display at its stand in Gasoline Alley from lunch time on Saturday once it has been officially launched.
Lunchtime entertainment will include rides up the hill by 12 very valuable, classic motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Club (Sunday only), aerobatic displays and more.
Simola’s very own helipad is conveniently located just above Gasoline Alley, and helicopter rides are available throughout the weekend – subject to the weather. Experiencing the Hillclimb from the air offers a simply breathtaking view of the course, the surrounding Simola Golf and Country Estate as well as the beautiful Knysna estuary.
The 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is bigger and better than ever – make sure you don’t miss it!
For more information on the event visit: www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com #JaguarSHC
Press Service Provided by Continental Tyre SA
Release compiled by Colin Mileman (082-897-6145 colin@milemanmedia.co.za)
Media enquiries: Robin Emslie – 044 883-1055 or 083 255-8477