The 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb kicks off today and despite limited ticket availability for the event in the hills of Knysna, there will be an official live stream too.
It’s Simola Hillclimb week, and the excitement and anticipation are building for what is guaranteed to be the most spectacular event yet. For fans who aren’t able to attend the thrilling three days of competition, starting with Classic Car Friday on 4 May 2023, and followed by King of the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, the next best thing will be to watch the event online via the official Simola Hillclimb livestream, or on SABC Plus.
“There has been significant growth over the past two years in the number of people from around the world that join the Simola Hillclimb online,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival which owns the Simola Hillclimb. “This year we’re expecting a big leap in the number of local and international viewers due to the top-calibre drivers that will be competing, comprising F1 star Mika Salo, along with WRC and WRX champion Petter Solberg and his well-known brother, Henning, who also enjoyed a long career in both formulas.”
Related: Former F1 driver Mika Salo adds to star-studded lineup for Simola Hillclimb
The Simola Hillclimb livestream will be available throughout all three days of the event via the website (www.simolahillclimb.com), and will be hosted by popular radio DJ and F1 presenter Sasha Martinengo, along with Cars.co.za presenter Ciro de Siena. Raceday TV’s Colin Hastie will be focusing on the intense action in the bustling pitlane, including regular interviews with the drivers and organisers.
Along with the official livestream, the Simola Hillclimb will once again be featured on SABC, which is the event’s national free-to-air broadcast partner through to 2024. “The exposure we receive on SABC helps the Simola Hillclimb reach an even broader local audience that goes beyond the traditional die-hard motoring and motorsport enthusiasts, and adds great value for our partners, sponsors and competitors,” Shrosbree says.
Related: 2023 Simola Hillclimb is around the corner! Ticket details here
For the 2023 edition, SABC Sports Channel will broadcast the Simola Hillclimb on the SABC Plus app which can be downloaded free from your device’s app store, or it can be accessed on the website. The package includes live coverage of Classic Car Friday from 14h00 to 15h30, while the opening day of King of the Hill will be featured from 19h30 to 20h50 on Saturday night. The exciting Sunday action is scheduled for 16h00 to 18h00 that evening.
Also read: Volkswagen Motorsport SA returns for the 13th Simola Hillclimb