Knysna Speed Festival is a premier event organization company located in Knysna. With a passion for motorsport, the organization is dedicated to putting a spotlight on Knysna and the global motorsport stage, mainly through its event, the Simola Hillclimb. Held annually on the first weekend of May, this event transforms a typical winding road into an exhilarating racetrack, drawing in thousands of car lovers and a beautiful range of vehicles. This guide aims to provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your experience at this unmissable event.
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All About Simola Hillclimb ⛰️
The Simola Hillclimb, now in its fourteenth edition, stands as South Africa’s foremost motorsport lifestyle event. Building upon the success of its acclaimed 2023 instalment, the 2024 event promises another thrilling experience. International racers like former Formula One ace Mika Salo and rally legends Petter and Henning Solberg drew in audiences, taking the event’s profile to new heights in the past.
The participation of eight local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) created further excitement, showcasing a variety of cars, SUVs, and even a bakkie. The 2024 edition introduces a Modified Street Car class, catering to owners of lightly modified vehicles, fostering a more competitive theme. This addition acknowledges and anticipates attracting a fleet of thrilling entries. There is anticipation for another record-breaking turnout of spectators and corporate guests, with competitors interested in exceeding capacity. The Simola Hillclimb continues to captivate motorsport enthusiasts worldwide, creating automotive exhilaration and excitement.
The Lineup at the Simola Hillclimb 🏎️
The highly anticipated event promises four days of adrenaline-pumping action and entertainment. Motorsport enthusiasts and spectators await the opportunity to witness thrilling races, iconic vehicles, and legendary drivers in action. With a packed schedule of events and activities, the Simola Hillclimb promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. Mark your calendars and prepare for a weekend of speed, excitement, and automotive excellence.
Fan Fest
The Fan Fest, from Thursday to Sunday at Knysna High School’s sports fields, is going to be great. Hosting so many activities serves as an important part of the event. From Thursday to Friday, spectators can witness race car scrutineering, public displays, and captivating parades along Waterfront Drive, showcasing the dazzling vehicles participating in the event. Situated in central Knysna, the Fan Fest promises to be filled with energy and excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun day out, the Fan Fest has you covered with four days of non-stop entertainment and adrenaline-fueled thrills.
Classic Car Friday
Classic Car Friday is a nostalgic journey through automotive history. Exclusive to historic, classic, and vintage cars, the event starts on Thursday at the Fan Fest, where vehicles undergo scrutineering and delight spectators with public displays. On Friday, the hill comes alive with cars spanning from pre-war to 1995. Encouraging a step back in time, drivers, friends, and spectators are invited to don period attire, adding to the event’s vintage theme.
Classic Car Friday attracts a large number of entries, with a careful selection process ensuring only the most exceptional vehicles grace the track. Limited to 65 cars, the day promises thrilling track action from 8 am to 3 pm, offering spectators a rare opportunity to witness these automotive treasures in motion. With its nostalgic atmosphere and collection of classic cars, Classic Car Friday is a must-attend for vintage car enthusiasts.
The King of the Hill Shootout
The King of the Hill Shootout at the Knysna Speed Festival is pure motorsport excitement, where the country’s fastest machines compete on Simola Hill. While Classic Car Friday takes centre stage, the King of the Hill contenders dazzle spectators at the Fan Fest on Friday. Saturday and Sunday mark the adrenaline-fueled Shootout, with 84 elite cars looking for victory. Invitations are extended based on an evaluation process, prioritizing cars with motorsport history or unique spectator appeal.
This ensures a promising field of contenders, ranging from classic favourites to cutting-edge speed demons. From sleek racers to classics, spectators are treated to a spectacle of automotive excellence. Track action unfolds from 09:00 to 16:45 on Saturday and 09:00 to 15:35 on Sunday, promising non-stop thrills and fierce competition. Prepare to witness the nation’s meanest, sleekest, and most spectacular cars tear up the track, delivering an unforgettable weekend of motorsports.
Simola Hill’s Date and Time 📅
The Simola Hillclimb, kicks off its journey on May 2nd 2024, blazing a trail of all through to May 5th 2024. Over four action-packed days, speed enthusiasts meet on Simola Hill to witness the thrill of competition and the roar of engines. From Classic Car Friday to the King of the Hill Shootout, each day offers a unique spectacle, of speed, skill, and automotive excellence. Mark your calendars for this unmissable event, and continue reading for even more details.
Thursday – 2nd of May 2024
The opening day of the Simola Hillclimb, Thursday, May 2nd, promises a flurry of excitement starting with FanFest. Spectators can also enjoy the captivating Car Display, where vintage and modern marvels bond, while FanFest Exhibitions showcase the latest in automotive innovation. The day ends with the Parade along Waterfront Drive, captivating crowds with the spectacle of roaring engines and sleek designs. As the sun sets, the day’s festivities draw to a close at 5 pm.
Friday – 3 May 2024
On the second day of the Simola Hillclimb, the excitement continues with FanFest, accompanied by the popular Car Display, FanFest Exhibitions, and the Parade along Waterfront Drive. However, the day’s highlight lies in the thrilling qualifying rounds and practice sessions, starting at 8 am. As drivers compete for optimal positions, spectators are treated to heart-pounding action and displays of skill on the track. The day ends with intense competition and exhilarating performances, resulting in a prize-giving ceremony at 3:35 pm. As the sun sets on another day of racing thrills, attendees depart, eagerly anticipating the climax of the event in the days ahead.
Saturday – 4th of May 2024
Saturday, May 4th, 2024, revs up with a day dedicated entirely to qualifying rounds and practice sessions, providing drivers with opportunities to fine-tune their skills and perfect their performance on the track. The action kicks off with Practice 1 at 9:05 am, allowing competitors to familiarize themselves with the course and make any necessary adjustments. Throughout the day, the track remains alive with the sounds of engines roaring as drivers push their limits.
As the day continues, anticipation builds for the qualifying rounds. Qualifying Round 3, starts at 4:05 pm, offering competitors their final chance to secure favourable starting positions for the main event. With each lap, tensions rise as drivers strive to leave their mark on the leaderboard. As the clock strikes 4:45 pm, the day draws to a close, concluding a day filled with adrenaline-fueled excitement and intense competition. Participants and spectators reflect on the day’s action, eagerly anticipating the thrilling showdowns yet to come in the days ahead.
Sunday – 5th of May 2024
Sunday, May 5th, 2024, marks the end of the Simola Hillclimb with a day packed full of exciting events. The morning kicks off with the Morning Warm-up at 9:05 am, providing drivers with a final opportunity to fine-tune their machines before the day’s main proceedings. As the day unfolds, the track comes alive with a series of thrilling qualifying rounds, including Rounds 4, 5, and 6, where competitors battle fiercely for pole positions and crucial starting positions. The intensity reaches its peak with the Class Final, where competitors within each class fight to be the best.
The excitement continues with the Road & SuperCar Shootout, Modified Saloon Car Shootout, and the Single Seater & Sports Car Shootout, showcasing the vehicles and drivers. Finally, as the sun sets on an action-packed weekend, the day concludes with a grand prize-giving ceremony, where champions are crowned and accolades are bestowed upon those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the event. With hearts racing and spirits soaring, participants and spectators bid farewell to another unforgettable edition of the Simola Hillclimb, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this amazing motorsport event.
Simola Hill Tickets 🎟️
For the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, they plan to cater to all preferences, and the event organizer will therefore provide flexible ticketing options. Choose your level of access such as General Entry Tickets or improve your experience with VIP Entry Tickets. Customize your experience further by adding upgrades such as access to the Pits, Turn 2 Grandstand, Esses Grandstand, and VIP parking (recommended for those with the Pit Access upgrade). This modular approach ensures that you can tailor your ticket package to suit your preferences and make the most of your time at the event.
Simola Hill Entry-Level Tickets
General Entry Tickets offer access to the event grounds and public viewing areas. Children under 12 enjoy complimentary entry but need to purchase upgrades at full price. Notable exclusions are Pit Access, Turn 2 Grandstand, and P1: VIP Parking. After purchasing a General Entry ticket, patrons can opt to add upgrades for these exclusions. Online prices for 2024 range from R160 for a single day to R400 for a three-day pass for adults, with a gate price at the event grounds being a minimum of R20 higher.
Simola Hill VIP Entry Tickets
VIP entry offers an elevated experience with exclusive privileges. Included are event access, Pit Access, VIP Parking (P1), and access to VIP Hospitality in the facility of your choice, providing comfort and luxury. The only exclusion is access to the Turn 2 Grandstand. VIP tickets are available online only, with no sales at the gate, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. Prices for 2024 vary depending on the day and package chosen, ranging from R3,000 for single-day access to the Le Mans Hospitality Lounge to R9,000 for a three-day pass. Child prices are also available at R950 per day, offering families an opportunity to enjoy the VIP treatment together.
🚘Need To Get To Knysna Speed Festival? 🚗
Year after year, this hill climb race event in Knysna attract audiences everywhere with its blend of speed, skill, and spectacle, firmly establishing itself as a highlight on the motorsport calendar. With each rev of the engine and every twist of the track, the Simola Hillclimb continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the world and the Garden Route region. Be sure you visit the event this year, you don’t want to miss out.
Address: Old Cape Road Knysna, South Africa
Date: 2 to 5 May 2024
Website: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 382 7500
