SIMOLA HILLCLIMB 2024

Simola 2024 has come to an end, and it was another fantastic event and well organized as usual. A BIG thanks to the Simola Hillclimb team, management, marshals and all who made this event possible.

Our two race cars, Armageddon (Our GT-R) and our Black Hawk (Nissan Patrol) arrived safely in Knysna on the 1st of May, heading straight to our good friends at Knysna Nissan who kindly once again opened up 2 of their workshop bays so we could do a thorough inspection, setup adjustments, and ensuring compliance with specifications for the hillclimb classes.

On May 3rd, we participated in scrutineering and proudly showcased our race machines at the fan fest on Hedge Street, offering the public an opportunity to engage with our team, inquire about our vehicles, and capture memorable moments. Notably, Armageddon debuted its striking new red and black carbon fibre livery, captivating spectators.

Following the festivities, our cars joined the parade to the pits, where meticulous pit preparations were made by our crew throughout the evening in anticipation of the weekend’s racing.

Reggie (Reghard Roets) was putting some good times down in the GT-R, and giving our competition something to worry about, unfortunately, the unthinkable happened on Sunday and right before the shoot-outs, we had to withdraw with a front differential failure that caused additional damage to the All Wheel Drive system.  We did not have enough time to repair it properly and be ready for the Class Final and King-of-the-Hill Shoot-out.

To our very tame racing driver, Reggie, thank you for driving our monster, Armageddon. With valuable feedback and input from you, we are always in awe how quickly you get comfortable with Armageddon and ready to push 10/10s. Thank you for your sportsmanship, willingness to fit in a quick interview and keeping the fans informed. We will have a chat with the bollards (bendy Policemen) next year so they won't crowd the race track to get a glimpse of your Reggie Magic…

Our Black Hawk however was running amazingly, and Arnold Du Plessis was putting the Black Hawk through its paces, as well as testing and enjoying the new Powerbrake Upgrade Brake kit we had installed. The racing Black Hawk is our current testbed for all possible future parts and upgrades we will offer to clients, as we can’t think of a better way to do stress tests to parts and know if they will survive our conditions in South Africa.  The Black Hawk ran phenomenally well the whole weekend and we even walked away with a trophy.

To Arnold Du Plessis thank you for driving our beast of a Patrol, which was dubbed “The block of Flats” at Simola. This proves that sometimes Bigger can be better… 😊  Thank you for all your support, encouragement and guidance. Lastly, thank you for sharing the passion of Motorsport. 

With all that said, we are back home and will be preparing for Simola 2025, where we will once again compete for the King of the Hill trophy.