By Phume Mkhungo

It was truly amazing to experience first hand one of the most anticipated events on the race calendar. I must say, I had no idea what to expect from the event as it was my first time there, and when I encountered three days of fireworks, literally and figuratively, I can say that it exceeded all expectations.

Today we are joining #JaguarSHC sponsor, @Castrol_SA, for an epic day at the Simola Hill Climb. @PhumeCarol pic.twitter.com/vr30SS4znG

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 4, 2019

The Jaguar Simola Hill climb is widely regarded as South Africa’s premier annual motoring and motorsport lifestyle event. The objective is to climb the Simola Hill (which is 1.9km) in the fastest time.

The event is by invite only and attracts a diverse range of classical and historical race cars from across the country.

Here’s edition one of the bad, the powerful and absolutely quick machines. We are looking forward to an absolutely epic day at #JaguarSHC with @Castrol_SA! @PhumeCarol pic.twitter.com/2Mg2c0VL2Y

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 4, 2019

For the first time, Castrol has joined the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb as the official lubricants partner for the next three years. This further cements the event’s premier status. Castrol is the global lubricant partner to Jaguar so it’s only fitting that these two brands collaborate for this premium event.

More frost #JaguarSHC! It wouldn’t be any street anything without the E30! 😅 @PhumeCarol Powered by @Castrol_SA. pic.twitter.com/YXcBKNRd9I

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 4, 2019

Classic Car Friday Car Display and Waterfront Drive Parade

The crowd came out in numbers on Friday for the crowd display as this was open to the public and gave all a little taste of what was to come on the next two days. This ‘public day’ caters exclusively for historic, classic and vintage cars with the field limited to 64 cars. Glorious cars from pre-Word War II to 1985 graced the hill during the parade to build up the excitement of the event.

Up the hill they go. @LandRoverZA Range Rover Sport Springbok tribute SVR.#JaguarSHC#CastrolEdge pic.twitter.com/zzRZdy1MlH

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 4, 2019

King of the Hill Shootout

With the next day being for the practice rounds and warm up, each participant got to suss out the competition for each category.

There were three categories, namely:

• Class A – Road-going Saloon cars and Supercars;
• Class B – Modified Saloon cars; and
• Class C – Single seaters and sports cars.

Despite cold and wet conditions for the most part of the day, there was still non-stop racing action!

Here’s Marius Robert’s (@Ignition_Live) Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

Quick info: 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine with 405kW/680Nm; 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds; and 283km/h top speed.
Price: R1,499,400 @PhumeCarol #JaguarSHC #castroledge @Castrol_SA pic.twitter.com/TtjpraMjll

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 5, 2019

Of the 64 cars, the most impressive was the Nissan GT-R which was purpose built for the competition. It also became one of the major attractions of the competition due to its interesting build. There were also new cars to see as each year Jaguar showcases its latest vehicles, and this year they introduced their all electric Jaguar I-Pace which is now available in South Africa.  Another car of interest was the Shelby Super Snake which is a highly modified supercharged Ford Mustang V8. It was driven by one of the only two female drivers – Paige Lindenberg.

Nothing excites me more than seeing women shattering glass ceilings, breaking barriers, defying stereotypes and opening doors for other women.. Spent the day at the #JaguarSHC. Pictured here with two of the female drivers – Paige Lindenberg & Clare Vale. @PhumeCarol #CastrolEdge pic.twitter.com/QXZny4PmTd

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 5, 2019

The biggest news of the day was Franco Scribante taking his first King of the Hill title in the extremely competitive Modified Saloon Car category, powering his radical 2016 Nissan GT-R to a new Class B record time of 39.274 seconds. He ousted 2018 winner Wilhelm Baard who had to settle for second place in the final Top 10 Shootout.

It’s Day 2 of the festivities at the #JaguarSHC! Looking forward to all of the action. @PhumeCarol #JaguarSHC #CastrolEdge@Castrol_SA pic.twitter.com/5OIByfGfD8

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 5, 2019

The Nissan GT-R made quite an appearance as the most successful supercar after it was crowned champion in both the Modified Saloon and Supercar categories in this year’s competition.

In the category for Road Cars and Supercars, Reghard Roets took the win with a final time of 44.094 seconds.

So whether you are a petrol head, speed freak or just someone who loves a good time – you will feel at home at this event as it caters for everyone.

Ford Ranger, who dat? @PhumeCarol #JaguarSHC #CastrolEdge@FordSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/CjTqI24Bdb

— Khulekani on Wheels (@khuleonwheels) May 4, 2019

Special thanks to our hosts, Castrol South Africa, for their hospitality at the spectacular Jaguar Simola Hill Climb.