Record interest in 2017 Hillclimb

SOUTHERN CAPE MOTORING NEWS - The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb (JSHC) has grown in popularity every year since its inception in 2009, and next year’s event, scheduled for May 4 to 7, is set to be its most spectacular ever.

From a competitor point of view, such is the level of interest that within three weeks of the applications for entry being opened for the eighth edition, it was already oversubscribed – once again reaffirming the Hillclimb’s status as one of South Africa’s premier motorsport events.

“This is the earliest we’ve opened the entry process, and already within the first three weeks we had 175 applications, which is a new record,” said Geoff Goddard, the sporting director. “So far, we have five expressions of interest from overseas competitors, including three from the US and one each from the UK and Germany.”

This certainly proves just how popular the Hillclimb is, with its unparalleled mix of rare, exotic and extreme road and race cars from all eras, combined with the allure of some of the greatest drivers in the sport, all racing against the clock on the challenging 1.9km Hillclimb course.

Once the application window closes on January 25, the organisers will review the entries and extend invitations to the selected group of drivers that will occupy the 60 prized slots for Classic Car Friday, along with the 84 highly sought-after places in King of the Hill.

Motorsport enthusiasts can already secure their places for the event on www.itickets.co.za, a convenient online portal where all tickets for day, weekend and pit access passes can be purchased.

One-day general entry tickets cost R100 per person, children under 12 free.

Pit access tickets will get fans up close and personal with the tantalising range of cars and legendary drivers, however these are strictly limited in the interests of safety. Tickets, which include the general entry fee, are R220 a day for adults, R100 for children under 12.

Enthusiasts planning on soaking up all the King of the Hill action on Saturday and Sunday can opt for the weekend pass at R180 pp, or R400 including pit access, R180 for children under 12 includes pit access on both days).

For added convenience, tickets for the Le Mans VIP Hospitality suite can now also be bought on the iTickets website. Situated overlooking the start line and with a fantastic view of the pit lane, the VIP Hospitality area affords guests an exclusive vantage point to witness the action.

VIP Hospitality tickets include general entry, pit access, shuttle from dedicated parking in town, as well as meals and drinks. They cost R1 500 pp for Classic Car Friday, or R2 000 a head for Saturday or Sunday. There’s a flat rate of R500 a day for children under 12.

Should you wish to make a weekend of it, two-day VIP tickets are available at R3 750 a head for the Saturday and Sunday that make up King of the Hill, or R5 000 for the entire three days of exhilarating action.

Ticket Prices

Day tickets:

• R100 pp per day – adult (12 years and older)

• Free – children under 12

Day & pit access tickets

• R220 pp/day – adult pit access tickets include general entry

• R100 pp/day – child pit access tickets (under 12)

Weekend passes

• R180 pp – adult general entry Saturday & Sunday

• R400 pp – adult pit access & general entry Saturday & Sunday

• R180 pp – child pit access Saturday & Sunday (under 12)

Le Mans VIP Hospitality tickets