Competing amongst some of the country’s most elite drivers, the two Giulias certainly caused a stir – whether they were waiting patiently in the pits or racing up the Hill.

Competing in Class A3 for standard production, road legal vehicles which are produced by a recognised manufacturer and sold through their respective dealer networks, the Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglios were narrowly beaten by the Noble M420 driven by Feroz Ebrahim with a winning time of 47,193 seconds.

Pierre Bester in the faster of the Giulias was second with a time of 48,350 seconds followed by Piet Potgieter in the other Italian car after posting a best time in 48,700 seconds. Other cars in the class included Jaguar’s F-Type S and XE-S as well as a BMW M3.

“Our aim was for the two Alfa Romeo Giulia QVs to be on the podium and that’s what we achieved so we are very happy with our results,” said Philip Botha, CEO of Penta Motor Group. “Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history and to show the world the continuing strength and success of the Alfa Romeo philosophy, a constant search for excellence applied to racing, then transferred in its entirety to the brand's production cars. The legend continues.”

The Penta Motor Group sponsored Bester and Potgieter. Bester only actively started competing in motorsport at the age of 44. His first time at the Simola Hillclimb was in 2015. He returned in 2016 and 2017, winning both his classes. Easily spotted wearing his trademark white panama hat, Bester commented, “A fantastic and very professionally organised event. I am very grateful to the Penta Motor Group for sponsoring me. Next year I will be back to take the Steering Wheel Award!”

For Potgieter, this was his first experience of the Simola Hillclimb event and certainly not his last. “The event exceeded all my expectations. The Penta Motor Group have really made my weekend. Next year we will improve. Watch this space,” he said.

The event, held at Knysna, 260 km west of Port Elizabeth, opened with the competitive “Classic Car Friday” which was focused exclusively on historic, classic and vintage cars.

Glorious cars from pre-war to 1985 graced the hill during the course of the day, while many drivers, their friends and spectators attended in period dress.

Meanwhile, the “King of the Hill” competitors parade also took place last Friday, one of the Knysna town’s annual highlights. As with the “Classic Car Friday” competitors, the “King of the Hill” cars started assembling early on Friday morning for scrutineering on the town’s Hedge Street, after which they were put on display for the public to view and meet-and-greet the drivers as a precursor to the Waterfront Drive parade.

Saturday and Sunday’s action was dubbed the “King of the Hill Shootout” and saw some of the country’s fastest machinery duelling it out on the hill. With entries in the Shootout limited to 84 cars, demand for places in the event were oversubscribed and all spots were allocated well before the closing date for entries.

Such as been the interest that the event is now invitation only for competitors. Drivers are invited to express an interest in entering. All applicants are then evaluated by a committee to determine whether car, driver and machinery meet the set criteria.

Preference is given by the organisers to competitors and cars with a strong motorsport history, heritage and spectator value. The organisers say they do not have to be the most expensive cars, just the most interesting and this is to ensure that fans will witness some of the country’s meanest, sleekest, prettiest and most spectacular cars taking to the track during the weekend.

Photos: Jaguar Simola Hillclimb 2018