Applications speeding in for 2019 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb

KNYSNA, South Africa, 15 November 2018 – Hillclimb events may be one of the motorsport categories with the shortest duration, but what they lack in length they certainly make up for in thrills and intensity – and the annual Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, which takes place next year from 2 to 5 May, is emphatically proving that statement!

At just 1.9 km, the Simola Hill course is less than half the length of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and 500 m shorter than Zwartkops Raceway. It’s steep though, with the elevation climbing 160 m from the start line to the timing beams at the top of the hill. And it’s staged on a public road without the benefit of a smooth-as-glass surface, nor does it have perfectly contoured red-and-white painted kerbs, or even run-off areas.

Driving ‘The Hill’ at the posted speed limit of 60 km/h makes it seem like a rather pedestrian affair, but for those brave enough to tackle it flat-out with thoroughbred racing machines or high-performance road cars, it’s a completely different ballgame.

Current record-holder Andre Bezuidenhout blitzed the 2018 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in a blistering time of 35.528 seconds in his Gould GR55, attaining an average speed of 192.52 km/h – from a standing start!

Considering that nearly all King of the Hill contenders post sub-60 second times – with even the slowest average speeds nudging 120 km/h – it becomes abundantly clear that the challenge of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is far greater than merely the sum of its corners. Yet it has some particularly testing and very fast turns, along with its famous sequence of snaking negative camber S-bends that push even the most accomplished and bravest racers to the very edge of their abilities.

But therein lies its appeal, with nothing but the driver and the car competing against the clock, with the slightest error heavily punished – it constantly recalls an age-old battle dating back to the earliest forms of automobile racing. With its high intensity, maximum concentration nature, it’s no surprise, then, that this most elementary form of motorsport remains a major drawcard for competitors and spectators alike.

Such is the popularity of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, which is widely regarded as South Africa’s premier motorsport and motoring lifestyle event, that entry applications are already nearly fully subscribed for next year’s 10th edition, a mere six weeks after opening.

“We started the entry application process for the 2019 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb a month earlier than last year, and we have already experienced unprecedented interest,” said Geoff Goddard, the event’s Sporting Director.

“Applications for Classic Car Friday have surpassed the 65 slots available, and King of the Hill applications are close to the maximum of 84 vehicles that we can accommodate, with more coming in daily.”

The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is a strictly invitational event, which allows the organisers to balance the quality and type of cars and driver combinations selected across the various classes each year, thus guaranteeing the best spectacle for fans and competitors. The Request for Invitations closes on 31 January 2019, and there’s guaranteed to be a high level of anticipation regarding the entries that will make the final cut. Aspirant competitors wishing to get on the start line can still lodge their requests at www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com

“The biggest change for next year’s event is the introduction of three additional ‘C’ classes which effectively separate the single seater and sports racing cars for the first time,” Goddard says. “This presents a great opportunity for competitors from the endurance racing series to join the Hillclimb action, and we invite them to submit applications for the 2019 event.”

It’s not just the drivers that are getting revved up for their annual Jaguar Simola Hillclimb fix. Spectators are also jumping in early, with pre-event ticket sales also having smashed all previous Hillclimb records.

Online ticket sales are available at www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com, and the sought-after Pit Access, Turn 2 Grandstand Seating, as well as Pit Priority Parking tickets, are already selling fast.

Demand for the limited number of exclusive VIP Hospitality packages, which include event and pit entry, as well as access to the Le Mans VIP Lounge, Piston Club or a Corporate Box in the VIP Village is also at an all-time high – so book your tickets now to secure the best motoring and motorsport showcase experience South Africa has to offer!

For more information on the event visit:www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com #JaguarSHC
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Release compiled by Colin Mileman (082-897-6145 colin@milemanmedia.co.za)