The first event in 2009 attracted 47 entries with most of them coming in the two weeks before entries closed. This year the organisers were receiving entries before they had opened. Since opening there has been a steady stream of entries with the centenary mark being reached last week.
This year’s event title sponsor, Renault South Africa, is using the event to launch a number of new models to the media, which is a first for a local motor company. The launch will be an integral part of the
Hillclimb with 36 of the country’s top motoring journalists participating in a "race-within-a-race" media challenge up the Simola course. The 100 official entries exclude these 36 motoring journalists.
"Talk in motorsport circles warned us that we should expect a good entry, but we have been overwhelmed by the number of entries and all round positive response to the event," says organiser Ian Shrosbree. "Not only have we received such a good entry, but we have had enquiries from all over the country from spectators wanting to attend the event. The Simola Hotel is already sold out and a number of other establishments are also fully booked."
The entry list boasts a number of former motorsport champions. Last year’s winner and multiple South African Champion Sarel van der Merwe and rally champion Enzo Kuun yet have to confirm their participation, but another former multiple SA champion, Geoff Mortimer, will be driving a very fast Mitsubishi Evo9. Mortimer is one of South Africa’s most versatile motor sportsmen with circuit, rally and off-road championships to his name.
More information can be obtained by logging on to www.speedfestival.co.za or emailing info@speedfestival.co.za
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