- Official lubricant partner to seventh edition of the Knysna-based hillclimb
- Rich motorsport history across the world, including South Africa
- Collaboration with several top contenders for 2016 King of the Hill
The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is proud to announce that Motul, the automotive lubricant specialist, has joined its exclusive list of partners as the official lubricant brand for the seventh edition, which takes place in Knysna from 6 to 8 May 2016.
As one of the world’s leading lubricant manufacturers, Motul has a rich motorsport history, and is a headline partner to preeminent motorsport categories and events around the world.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb this year,” says Steven Lurie, Motul’s Business Development Manager for South and East Africa.
“In just seven years, the Hillclimb has become one of the premier events on the South African motorsport calendar, and provides the ideal fit for Motul’s technical prowess and its extensive range of high performance oils and lubricants for cars and motorcycles.
“Motul focuses its motorsport involvement on extreme events that link directly to our product strengths,” Lurie adds. “The 1.9 km course may be short in comparative terms, but the amazing effort that competitors put into the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb with a dazzling array of rare, exotic and even purpose-built extreme performance vehicles creates a perfect synergy with our brand.”
According to Ian Shrosbree, director of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, the Motul partnership gives the award-winning Knysna event even greater prominence, both locally and internationally.
“Motul is a highly respected and proven brand, with strong links to the top echelons of motorsport around the world, including the renowned Pikes Peak Hillclimb in the USA,” Shrosbree says.
“To join its family of international motorsport events is an honour as Motul only partners with premier properties, and it reflects how far the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb has come in a relatively short period.
“Our partnership is based on shared values, among which is both companies striving for innovation and constant improvement. Having the Motul partner with us for this year’s hillclimb will allow us to make improvements in many areas to create a better spectator and competitor experience.”
Linked to its partnership, Motul will have a stand in the popular Gasoline Alley throughout the hillclimb weekend to showcase its extensive, high-tech range of oils and lubricants.
Aside from supporting the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, Motul is also a technical partner and lubricant supplier to several of the top teams set to compete in 2016.
The company is maintaining its existing support for the multi-talented, championship-winning motorcycle and car racer, Jade Gutzeit. Winner of the 2012 edition and one of the fastest challengers throughout last year’s event in his specially developed lightweight Dezzi Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7, Gutzeit will certainly be a top contender for the King of the Hill title again this year.
Motul also has an ongoing collaboration with NxGen Performance. This year the team features former rally and saloon car champion – and 2010 hillclimb winner – Geoff Mortimer, competing in a highly modified Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, along with circuit racing ace Reghardt Roets in an explosive 1 200 hp Nissan GT-R.
As a lubricant supplier to the specialised GT-R Hatfield dealership in Pretoria, Motul will also be supporting its entries for the 2016 hillclimb.
For Classic Car Friday, Motul partners with Brian Bruce and his 1965 Ford GT40, which is powered by a roaring 4.9-litre V8.
International Motorsport
Internationally, Motul’s illustrious portfolio of motorsport and technical partnerships includes the likes of the 24 Hours Le Mans and the Endurance World Championship – both encompassing the car and motorcycle events – along with the Super GT series in Japan, Pirelli World Challenge in the US and the Trophée Andros ice racing championship in France.
On the motorcycle front, Motul is a partner and event sponsor in MotoGP, the Bol d’Or 24-Hour and at the legendary Isle of Man TT. It is also the title sponsor of the 2016 Superbike World Championship and FIM Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship.
Closer to home, Motul is the technical partner for the Roof of Africa in Lesotho – renowned as one of the toughest enduro motorcycle races in the world – along with the SA Motocross Championship and the SuperGP superbike series.
Aside from its involvement in motor racing, Motul has a proud heritage spanning more than 160 years. The French company has a global footprint across the world, and is a true pioneer in the lubricant industry. It launched the world’s first semi-synthetic oil in 1966, followed by the very first 100% synthetic oil for cars in 1971.
This legacy continues today with its extensive product range covering the various automotive sectors, including cars, motorcycles, scooters and commercial vehicles, as well as marine and leisure applications.
For more information on the event please go to www.jaguarsimolahillclimb.com
Release compiled by Colin Mileman (082-897-6145 colin@milemanmedia.co.za)
Media enquiries: Robin Emslie – 044 883-1055 or 083 255-8477