The 2024 Simola Hillclimb is Around the Corner

Serving as one of South Africa’s most visceral showdowns of hillclimb speed demons, the Simola Hillclimb is mere weeks away for action and this is what can be expected from the 2024 edition of the hallowed event. 

Leading the charge is the legendary Andre Bezuidenhout, a six-time champion who has left a trail of dust in his wake. With an impressive track record and a thirst for victory, Bezuidenhout is set to defend his crown with his trusty 2007 Gould GR55, a beast of a machine that has dominated the Hillclimb scene for years.

But standing in his way is the formidable Robert Wolk, a force to be reckoned with behind the wheel of the 1989 Pillbeam MP58. Despite facing setbacks last year, Wolk is determined to give Bezuidenhout a run for his money with his ear-splitting Nissan Infinity Indycar engine and relentless drive for success.

The competition doesn’t end there. In the battle of the classes, expect to see thrilling duels between Theodore Vermaak and Ian Schofield in the 2.0-litre machines of Class C2, as well as a fierce rivalry among the Lotus 7-based entries of Class C4, featuring Tom Barrett, Bill Annetts, and Josef Kotze.

 Simola Hillclimb qualifying day yields blistering times

For fans of raw power, keep an eye on Rui Campos and Heinrich du Preez as they unleash the thunderous roar of their V8 engines in Class C6, promising an unforgettable spectacle of speed and sound. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation is building among drivers and spectators alike. With the record-breaking pace set by Bezuidenhout in 2022, all eyes are on the weather forecast, hoping for dry conditions that could pave the way for another historic record run up the 1.9 km Simola Hill.

But in the world of motorsport, nothing is certain. From last-minute engine rebuilds to desperate searches for performance-enhancing upgrades, the road to victory is paved with challenges and uncertainties. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure – when the flag drops and the engines roar to life, the thrill of competition will ignite the passion of every driver, pushing them to their limits in pursuit of glory.

So mark your calendars and brace yourselves for the battle of the speed demons