Next Knysna Hill Climb To Be Open To All Brands
The Jaguar Simola Hill Climb is one of the biggest motorsport events in South Africa. However, the event is taking a new approach for its 10thedition. Knysna Speed Festival and Jaguar South Africa have announced a new business model for the event that will open the festival up to other vehicle manufacturers in an attempt to take the event to the next level.
“We have enjoyed an incredible six-year journey with Jaguar as our title sponsor and we can’t thank the team at Jaguar enough for their support, enthusiasm and partnership over the years,” says Ian Shrosbree, managing director of Knysna Speed Festival. “Jaguar has assisted us in lifting the standard across all levels of the event, and played a key role in helping us build it into the globally recognised Hillclimb that it is today. We will forever be grateful for this incredible support.
“Jaguar’s commitment was never more in evidence than when we went to them with our new vision, which will grow the event into the future to become one of the premier Hillclimbs on the global calendar, and they immediately gave us their full support. Pursuing this goal will demand a lot more resources and, to allow for this and make the event sustainable over the long term, the business model had to be adapted to be more inclusive of the other motor manufacturing brands. “We are eternally grateful to Jaguar management for backing us in this quest and for its continued support going into the future as one of the top tier manufacturers,” Shrosbree adds.
“Jaguar is proud that its name has been associated with the premier motor racing event in South Africa as title sponsor for six years,” says Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa. “Together we have elevated the status of the Simola Hillclimb, and the event has helped cement Jaguar as a leader in premium performance vehicles. We wish the organisers well in their mission to take an already world-class event to the next level.”
The Hill Climb will be open to all brands from 2020, but the event will also offer a top-tier partnership package for 5 brands to have access to live stream branding, track branding, hospitality, track time, VIP runs, exhibition space and race entries.
“We are in discussions with a number of potential title sponsors and have already engaged with a many of the other vehicle brands, and their support for our strategy has been supportive and encouraging,” says Shrosbree. “Several indicated that they had hoped this would materialise at some point as it allows them certain freedoms that have naturally not been possible with Jaguar as the exclusive motor brand title sponsor. We already have a number of commitments and anticipate that the top tier will be over-subscribed very soon.”
The 2020 Simola Hillclimb will take place from 7-10 May with the entry process and ticket sales opening in October 2019.
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FAQ
Q: What is the Knysna Hill Climb and when does it happen?
The Knysna Hill Climb, formerly known as the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb, is South Africa's premier hillclimb motorsport event held annually in Knysna, and the 10th edition will be the first to welcome all vehicle manufacturers instead of being Jaguar-exclusive.
Q: Why is Jaguar no longer the title sponsor of the Simola Hill Climb?
Jaguar isn't leaving entirely, they're stepping back as title sponsor to allow the event to become more inclusive of other manufacturers, which will provide more resources to grow the festival into one of the world's premier hillclimb events.
Q: Can any car brand participate in the new Knysna Speed Festival format?
Yes, the new business model specifically opens the event to all vehicle manufacturers, making it a multi-brand motorsport festival rather than the Jaguar-only event it has been for the past six years.
Q: Will the Knysna Hill Climb still be held at Simola Golf Estate?
The article doesn't specify venue changes, but given it's referred to as the Simola Hill Climb and the infrastructure is already established there, it will likely continue at the same Knysna location.
Q: Is this change permanent or just for the 10th anniversary edition?
This appears to be a permanent business model change designed to make the event sustainable long-term and help it grow into a globally recognised premier hillclimb, not just a one-off anniversary adjustment.
Should You Buy It?
While this isn't about buying a specific car, if you're considering attending the Knysna Hill Climb or getting involved in South African motorsport, absolutely go for it. The event's expansion to include all brands means more variety, better competition, and potentially lower entry fees as the organiser diversifies revenue streams. Spectator tickets typically range from R150 to R400 depending on access level, making it one of the best motorsport experiences under R500 in SA. The Knysna Hill Climb has evolved from a Jaguar showcase into what promises to be South Africa's premier multi-brand hillclimb event, so whether you're a petrolhead or just fancy a weekend away in the Garden Route, this is a solid buy for entertainment value.
