Another brilliant Hillclimb spectacle

KNYSNA NEWS - The first Simola Hillclimb since 2019 to be free of any Covid-19 restrictions, this newfound freedom saw the weekend draw crowd numbers last seen prior to the pandemic.

It was perhaps all too fitting then that these spectators were treated to a masterclass by André Bezuidenhout, who enjoyed the perfect weekend as he claimed his maiden Classic Conqueror title as well as his sixth King of the Hill trophy.

From the onset, the 2023 Simola Hillclimb was billed to be the best one in recent years, with new additions to the offerings specifically catered to the fans.

This included additional fanfare on Thursday and Friday, 4 and 5 May, which saw exhibition stalls from various Hillclimb partners on the Knysna High School fields in Hedge Street.

There was also a great turnout for each of the parades on Thursday and Friday, with the King of the Hill edition on Friday proving to be one to remember.

An oil spill at the western Waterfront Drive/N2 intersection meant the parade was delayed for almost an hour. But, instead of dampening spirits, it only heightened the excitement and by the time things got underway, anticipation was at fever pitch.

With crowds lining the street, lighting up the road with their phones, and the cars zooming by flashing their lights in the eyes of the spectators, it really was one for the books.

Action-packed Friday

This was only a taster for what lay in wait during the weekend. Classic Car Friday was treated to perfect racing weather, something that CCF competitors have not been privy to in recent years.

While it made for a lack of spectacular crashes, it did ensure there was plenty of action.

The most successful CCF driver and the overall most successful Hillclimb driver, Franco Scribante, was once again rendered unable to compete for his seventh Classic Conqueror title.

After not passing scrutineering last year, this year the engine in his Chevron B19 seized during the third qualifying session, meaning he couldn't compete in the class finals or Classic Conqueror shootout.

André Bezuidenhout took full advantage of this, clocking a time of 41,715 seconds in his 1976 Lola T460 to hold off defending champion Ian Schofield and win his maiden Classic Conqueror title.