 The 2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, which takes place in Knysna from 15 to 17 May, is just over a week away. The anticipation and excitement is at fever-pitch for the biggest and most spectacular turn-out yet, in terms of entries, feature attractions and spectators.The event kicks off on Thursday 14 May with the documentation and vehicle scrutineering at the Knysna Waterfront for the 52 vehicles competing in Classic Car Friday. This takes place from 09h00 to 13h30, and is followed by the popular town parade through Knysna’s city centre, scheduled to start at 14h15.
Friday sees the action commencing for the first of the practice runs, with the first vehicle setting off up the 1.9 km Simola Hill at 08h30. The second practice starts at 09h25 followed by the final practice at 10h20. Then the Classic Car Friday action gets really intense as the first two qualifying rounds follow at 11h15 and 12h10 respectively, followed by a lunch break and the final qualifying at 13h30. In Jaguar Simola Hillclimb tradition, the 13h00 lunch break each day keeps the excitement levels charged, featuring air displays, motorcycle demonstrations and a whole lot more to ensure that the spectators are thrilled and entertained throughout the weekend. The results of the qualifying rounds see the three top competitors in each category competing in the class final from 14h25, which ultimately determines the top 10 qualifiers for the final shootout. Starting at 14h55, the top 10 start in reverse order, and compete in a no-holds-barred dash for the line in an effort to set the fastest time and earn the right to the Classic Conqueror title for 2015. Prize-giving follows at approximately 15h35. King of the Hill fans can already start getting their adrenaline fix on Friday by visiting the documentation and scrutineering at the Knysna Waterfront, from 08h00 to 13h30. This is followed by the Main Street car exhibition between 14h00 and 15h00 where fans have the opportunity to get close up and personal with the cars and drivers. However, the focal point for competitors and spectators alike is the two action-packed days of King of the Hill, with the first of the 80 contenders scorching off the line at 09h00 on Saturday for Practice 1. A further three practice sessions are lined up for the morning. The main interest during the lunchtime break at 13h00 will be at Gasoline Alley, where the stunning new Jaguar XE sports saloon will be shown for the first time in South Africa. There are plenty of additional attractions, including a dedicated stand for Bloodhound SSC – the highly publicised project that will make a World Land Speed Record attempt later this year. The stand includes a Bloodhound virtual experience, along with a 1:1 scale cutaway model of the vehicle that will be used in attempt to ultimately top 1 600 km/h. After lunch the final practice commences at 14h00, with the day rounded off with the first two qualifying sessions, at 15h00 and 16h10 respectively. On Sunday the competitors resume their battle with a warm-up session at 09h00, and then complete the four remaining qualifying runs with the final session taking place at 14h00 after the lunch break. Along with the various forms of lunchtime entertainment, fans will also be able to see the Jaguar XE on-track for the first time as it is driven up The Hill. At 15h15 the excitement steps up a gear, with the Class Final seeing the top three drivers in each class, based on all six qualifying runs, giving it their all in an exciting single run shoot-out to determine the final podium positions. Then it’s onto the grand finale as the action screams into the redline. The King of the Hill final, starting at 15h55, will see the overall top 10 fastest competitors from throughout the weekend’s qualifying head into the final single-run all-or-nothing shoot-out. The final is completed in reverse order, and ultimately decides who will take home the prized 2015 King of the Hill title. |
