Volvo Trucks to trial hydrogen

In South Africa, there are several green hydrogen projects at various stages of development, as carmakers and truck companies continue testing work on the alternative energy source to establish feasibility, especially in the harsh operating conditions over long distances that make the Southern tip of Africa unique.

“Some notable examples are the ‘Hydrogen Valley’ feasibility study conducted by the DSI with partner companies, as well as the ‘Boegoebaai Hydrogen Cluster’ in the Northwest Province,” says Eric Parry, Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Projects like these will enable the introduction and testing of hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles in South Africa.”

Volvo Trucks maintains that no single solution can solve climate change. Interest in sustainable transport solutions is growing locally, and the initial adopters in South Africa are companies that prioritise their environmental impact and already have emission reduction programmes in place.

Volvo Trucks is developing hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks. Road tests with these hydrogen combustion engine trucks will commence in 2026, with a global commercial launch planned towards the end of the decade. Trucks powered by green hydrogen represent a significant step towards Volvo's net zero goal and support customers in achieving their decarbonisation targets.

Switching from fossil fuels to green hydrogen is one method to decarbonise transport. Hydrogen trucks are particularly suitable for long distances and areas where charging infrastructure is limited, or where there is insufficient time for battery recharging.

Volvo will begin customer trials of trucks using hydrogen in combustion engines in 2026, with commercial availability anticipated by the decade's end. Ongoing testing is already being conducted in laboratories and vehicles.These hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement Volvo’s other offerings, including battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks, and trucks running on renewable fuels like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

“Trucks with traditional internal combustion engines running on hydrogen will deliver the same performance and reliability as our diesel trucks, but with the added benefit of potentially low CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel. They will be a valuable addition to our battery electric trucks, which have been on the market for several years,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks.

Volvo trucks powered by green hydrogen combustion engines have the potential to achieve net zero CO2 emissions when using renewable HVO as an ignition fuel and are classified as ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ (ZEV) under the new EU CO2 emission standards.

“It’s clear that a variety of technologies are needed to decarbonise heavy transport. As a global truck manufacturer, we need to support our customers by offering a range of decarbonisation solutions, allowing customers to choose the best option based on their transport assignment, available infrastructure, and green energy prices,” says Hjelmgren.

Volvo's hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will employ High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. This technology offers higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and increased engine power.

Volvo Group has signed an agreement with Westport Fuel Systems to establish a joint venture utilising HPDI technology. This joint venture is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2024, following formal closing.

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Africa Automotive: Jetour likely to debut in South Africa

Jetour, a sub-brand of Chery, is believed to be about to make its debut in the South African market but not as part of Chery South Africa, rather being independently imported and distributed with its own dealer network.

Details are sketchy now, but significant considering the recent opening of the Jigjiga, Ethiopia assembly plant where Jetour is assembled. While Ethiopia is a left-hand drive market, this facility may well have the capability to assemble vehicles for other markets in Africa, including South Africa.

With battery production coming on line in Morocco, the hiatus caused by the election buildup in South Africa has further pushed back the progress that should be in full flight in terms of the country leveraging natural resources and becoming a significant finished product supplier instead of just raw materials.

Although some concessions in terms of taxes have been announced for automakers converting their facilities to manufacture or assemble electric vehicles, nothing is on the cards for embattled consumers – so the exorbitantly high cost of battery electric vehicles (BEV) is still extremely slow and limited.

However, the industry continues to move ahead in this regards and Daimler Truck recently launched electric versions of the Actros and Canter.

Africa, it self, is responding and recently Pan-Africa electric vehicles company Spiro, operating in Kenya, secured a $50-million loan from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to expand its operations across the continent.

Spiro specialises in electric motorcycles and this latest move follows a $63-million loan from Societe Generale in August last year, aimed at expanding its presence in Togo and Benin.

Spiro, established in 2019, now manages more than 600 EV battery swapping stations in Kenya, Benin, Togo, and Rwanda. In February, Spiro revealed a partnership with oil marketing company Petrocity to set up battery swapping stations at Petrocity’s outlets, underscoring its focus on expanding in Kenya.

According to Afreximbank Executive Vice President Intra-African Trade Bank Kanayo Awan:, “The future of transportation lies in the use of electric vehicles and as demand for clean energy solutions soars, support towards companies like Spiro is crucial for accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and reduction of carbon emissions.”

This development occurs as EV companies in Kenya and across Africa strive to secure funding through a mix of debt and equity to support their growth. EV companies have been setting up local assembly lines to meet the increasing demand for electric motorcycles, passenger cars, and buses, while also establishing charging stations in key areas of Nairobi and planning to expand to other major cities to address the lack of infrastructure, a significant barrier to the adoption of e-mobility.

However, the Kenyan government is set to present a Finance Bill that will introduce a value-added tax (VAT) on electric bikes, buses and solar and lithium-ion batteries. This proposal has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, including the Nairobi-based Associated Battery Manufacturers (ABM), who worry that the tax could substantially increase the cost of solar batteries. A 60-kilogram solar battery’s price could rise by $312 (45,000 Kenyan shillings) due to the tax.

While Kenya considers imposing an EV tax, other nations are encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles through different measures. For instance, Tunisia announced in 2023 it would offer tax breaks and purchase incentives to boost its EV sector, aiming to reach a fleet of 130 000 electric vehicles by 2030 as part of its broader environmental and energy sustainability goals.

Hugely significant is the battery swop programme. While motorcycle battery packs carry far less voltage than those in cars and trucks, the ideal electric scenario would be a safe system of ‘hot swopping’ that would allow users to get a fully-charged battery pack in around the same time as it takes to fill up at a fuel pump.

South Africa is ideally poised to be a front-runner in this and other innovations in the move to electrification but the slow responses – and often lackadaisical attitude of government means the country is falling further behind; and fast.

The slender threads holding the auto industry together are in grave danger of unravelling and all the good work done by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) in conjunction with Afreximbank and via the Intra Africa Trade Shows to promote and urge Africa to adopt the AfCTA could end up being undone.

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Tense battle expected in Vryheid

There is a kind of a gunfight at the OK Corral feel to the buildup to the second round 2024 South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC), the PS Laser ProMac Vryheid 400, set to take place on May 24 and 25 in the Vryheid area of northern KwaZulu-Natal with both Toyota and Ford throwing plenty of spanners at getting their respective racers ready.

Following a stellar performance at the Nkomazi 400 in Malalane last month, where TGRSA secured a one-two finish, the team is enthusiastic about maintaining their strong start to the season.

Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Elvéne Vonk emerged victorious in Round 1, closely followed by teammates Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy in second place. As they gear up for the next challenge, TGRSA will once again feature their seasoned teams: Henk Lategan with Brett Cummings, Giniel de Villiers with Elvéne Vonk, Guy Botterill with Dennis Murphy and Saood Variawa with Francois Cazalet, all piloting the latest GR Hilux EVO models.

The upcoming Vryheid 400 features diverse and demanding terrains such as farmlands, rocky stretches and scenic landscapes and marks the debut of the Vryheid area in hosting a round of the SARRC.

The event begins with a 14 km Castrol Qualifying Race on Friday, May 24, at 09:30 followed by a 38 km loop for Stage One at 13:00. On Saturday, participants will face Stage Two, a 175 km route starting at 08:00. 

After completing this stage once, there will be a mandatory 30-minute service break at the Designated Service Point (DSP) at the airfield before tackling the stage again. The race concludes at the Vryheid Airfield, where the podium ceremonies will also be held.

TGRSA Team Principal Shameer Variawa expressed his excitement for the Vryheid 400, stating: "We are looking forward to the Vryheid 400 and are excited to tackle the new terrain. Our crews have been preparing diligently, and we are confident in their abilities to deliver strong performances. The opening round was a great success, and we aim to build on that momentum this weekend."

Giniel de Villiers currently leads the Overall Championship standings, with Guy Botterill in second. Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings are eager to accumulate points after a challenging first round.

The Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) Ford Rally-Raid Team will also compete in Round 2 of the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC).

Despite a promising start in Malalane, the team faced minor technical issues which have now been resolved, allowing them to return to the championship fight at this new event.

Lance Woolridge and Kenny Gilbert (#234) showed great pace in their updated Shell-liveried NWM Ford Ranger at the previous race but were hindered by a broken driveshaft, finishing 11th in the Ultimate class. Their performance after the vehicle was repaired suggests they will be competitive in Vryheid.

Reigning champions Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (#200) were contenders for a podium finish in Malalane until a water pump failure forced their retirement. They aim to come back strong at their home event.

NWM Ford team principal Neil Woolridge commented: "The performance of our two cars at the season-opener in Malalane was fantastic and both of the crews were on it right from the start. Unfortunately, we had two separate technical issues which were firsts for us, but we are confident that these have been diagnosed and rectified, and we are looking forward to the prospect of an all-new race in Vryheid."

The NWM-supported privateer team of Wors Prinsloo and Andre Vermeulen (#241) will also compete, having finished eighth in the Ultimate class in the opening race.

Fans can track the race action using the RallySafe app, available for download on iOS and Android devices.

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Daimler Truck makes electric moves

Aligning with Daimler Truck’s global goal of achieving 100% CO2-neutral trucks and buses by 2050, Daimler Truck SA (DTSA) has unveiled its first fully battery-electric truck lineup.

This featured the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300, available in 4x2 and 6x2 rigid configurations, as well as a truck tractor variant. Additionally, the eActros 400 6x2 rigid and the eCanter range were presented.

These electric trucks, which are designed for light and heavy-duty distribution, are now available for sale, backed by DTSA's comprehensive support to ensure smooth integration into customer operations. However, long-haul variants will be introduced as soon as local legislation on vehicle weight and length permits.

Dealers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town have been appointed to handle sales and service of the electric vehicles with a specific focus on training and the use of the specialised equipment required to deal with the high voltage battery packs.

DTSA also outlined its strategic plans for the FUSO eCanter range, which includes extended collaborative trials with customers. Six units will be distributed among customers for three-month trial periods to evaluate performance and infrastructure needs for battery-electric trucks.

Since its introduction in 2020, the FUSO eCanter has helpng establish the framework for electric truck approval in the country. Post-trial, the eCanter will be available for sale through operating leases.

Maretha Gerber, president and Group CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa, says: “Launching the eActros and eCanter in South Africa marks a significant achievement and achieving our 2050 CO2-neutral goal will involve various zero-emission technologies, and this launch is a crucial step towards a sustainable transportation future.”

Gerber highlighted the necessity of significant investments and industry-wide collaboration, particularly in developing charging infrastructure, to make battery-electric truck operations viable in South Africa. DTSA welcomes any public or private initiatives that support EV charging for trucks, which are essential for the adoption of electric trucks.

The eCanter features six HV battery packs with a total capacity of 83 kWh, offering a range of up to 100 km. It can be quick-charged to full capacity in 1,5 hours using a 50 kW DC charger, or in 11 hours using a regular charger.

The eCanter has a single-speed transmission, a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 7,5 tons, and a body and payload capacity of 4,2 tons. Its electric motor provides 135 kW and 390 Nm of torque, with a wheelbase of 3 400 mm and an overall length of 5 952 mm.

The eActros 300 is equipped with three Lithium-Ion battery packs totalling 336 kWh, offering a range of up to 330 kilometres. It can charge from 20% to 80% in 1 hour 15 minutes at 160 kW.

The GVM of the eActros 300 rigid variants ranges from 19 to 27 tons, with body and payload capacities from 8,2 to 16,1 tons. The truck tractor variant has a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 40 tons.

The eActros 400 comes with four Lithium-Ion battery packs totalling 448 kWh, providing a range of up to 400 kilometres. It charges from 20% to 80% in 1 hour 40 minutes at 160 kW. This model has a GVM of 27 tons and a body and payload capacity of up to 15.4 tons.

Both the eActros 300 and eActros 400 feature a rigid electric axle with two integrated, liquid-cooled electric motors and a two-speed transmission, delivering a continuous output of 330 kW and a peak output of 400 kW.

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Getting on the gas with Isuzu

The fact 20 Isuzu long wheelbase vehicles can use CNG underscores a significant advancement in fuel options for truck fleets. Fuel consumption is the largest operational cost for any truck fleet. Integrating a Compressed Natural Gas - Diesel Dual Fuel (CNG-DDF) system for these Isuzu models places them at a competitive edge in the fluctuating fuel market.

This approach offers reliable, cost-effective, and consistent mobility solutions. The automotive industry widely acknowledges the use of CNG, with approximately 14 million Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) operating across 80 countries.

CNG is a different technology unlike LPG, commonly associated with applications such as flame-grilled steaks.

Over the past five years, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has been testing CNG-DDF converted trucks, demonstrating their reliability. CNG, short for Compressed Natural Gas, primarily consists of methane, while LPG, or Liquified Petroleum Gas, comprises propane and butane. While CNG is a viable alternative to petrol and diesel in vehicles, LPG finds use in industrial, refrigeration, agricultural, and catering sectors.

Notably, CNG is lighter than air, dispersing quickly in case of a leak, and posing a lower ignition risk compared to LPG, which can spread on the ground and ignite more easily. CNG's lower carbon content also results in fewer carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

In the quest for greener fleet operations, CNG offers numerous benefits. It significantly reduces the carbon footprint by emitting 20%-25% less greenhouse gases and virtually no toxic pollutants. Other advantages include reduced particulate emissions, quieter engine operation due to smoother combustion, lower fuel consumption, diminished fuel theft and adulteration, fewer engine carbon deposits and improved engine oil quality.

Operating the Isuzu CNG-DDF system is straightforward, retaining the standard diesel engine configuration with a 100% diesel fallback option. A simple button press switches between Dual Fuel mode (Diesel/Gas mixture) and 100% Diesel mode, with automatic reversion to diesel when the natural gas cylinder is empty or if the CNG system detects a fault. The system boasts quick gas filling times compared to the lengthy charging required for electric trucks, although driver training remains necessary.

Engine performance and efficiency remain consistent in Dual Fuel mode, with engine torque and power nearly unchanged, ensuring unaffected trip times. A special engine control unit determines the optimal gas/diesel fuel mixture, maintaining similar torque and power levels.

From a safety perspective, CNG is advantageous as it disperses harmlessly into the atmosphere when leaked, aided by an added odorant for easy detection. It has a narrow flammability range (5%-15%) compared to petrol (1%-8%), and its safety record is statistically superior to conventional fuels. Additionally, CNG is non-toxic.

Considering the volatile diesel fuel prices, with coastal rates at 21,91/litre and a 400-litre tank costing nearly R8 800, along with global oil market uncertainties, adopting CNG becomes a strategic decision beyond mere cost considerations.

However, the distribution network for CNG remains a challenge, with availability currently limited to the Gauteng region. Municipalities represent an ideal application for CNG due to environmental benefits, reduced fuel consumption, anti-theft advantages, and centralized refilling. The CNG gas cylinders, while adding to the vehicle's tare mass and reducing payload, do not affect the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM).

The ability to fit CNG-DDF systems as an option on 20 Isuzu long wheelbase models significantly benefits fleet replacement planning. Tools like the TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator, available at TruckScience.com, help understand the weight implications of CNG equipment and calculate payload capacity effectively.

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Records shattered at Simola Hillclimb

KNYSNA, South Africa, 5 May 2024 – There was lots of adrenaline-fuelled action and drama at the 14th running of the Simola Hillclimb which took place in Knysna at the weekend.

Robert Wolk earned his first King of the Hill title in the Single Seater, Sports Car and Sports Prototypes category, while Dawie Joubert claimed the Modified Saloon Car win for the first time. JP van der Walt entrenched his domination of the Road Car and Supercar category by taking his fourth consecutive title.

After several years as one of the Simola Hillclimb’s leading single-seater competitors, Wolk and the InvestChem team battled through a series of technical niggles throughout the weekend with the 1989 Pillbeam MP58 – a specialised hillclimb car, albeit 35 years old, which is now powered by a thunderous modern Infinity Indycar V8 engine.

He posted the Pillbeam’s fastest official time of 37.133 seconds during the Class Finals, despite not completing three of the six qualifying sessions due to electrical issues. His fastest run for the 1.9 km standing start sprint was completed at an average speed of 184.203 km/h. In the thrilling all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout, he crossed the timing beam in 37.403 seconds to take the top prize.

“It was a fantastic weekend, even though we had our issues with the car,” Wolk said. “In the Top 10 Shootout we were dealing with an engine problem, so I couldn’t go as fast as I would have liked, but we made it count in the end.”

It was a clean sweep of the top two places for the InvestChem outfit, as team owner Ian Schofield claimed the runner-up spot in the Top 10 Shootout with an impressive time of 40.938 seconds in the 2018 Mygale SJ Formula Ford – slashing an impressive 1.1 seconds off the time he set in the Class Finals.

Rui Campos posted his best time of 41.379 seconds in the final shootout, finishing third in the Ford V8-powered Shelby CanAm. Unfortunately, six-time winner Andre Bezuidenhout was forced to withdraw from this year’s event after his record-setting Gould GR55 suffered engine damage during pre-event testing, but he retains both the class C and outright Simola Hillclimb record of 34.161 seconds.

Modified Saloon Cars

The most powerful and wildest tin-top cars in the country fall into class B for Modified Saloon Cars. Fans were expecting an almighty battle between the two wild all-wheel drive Nissan R35 GT-R machines of five-time winner Franco Scribante and last year’s runner-up, Reghard Roets.

However, the tables were turned when Dawie Joubert was consistently at the top of the pile in his lightweight Lotus Exige, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged Ferrari 488 engine. Having sorted out the technical issues that plagued the car in previous years, Joubert wrapped up the six qualifying rounds with the fastest time of 38.291 seconds.

He was a mere six-hundredths of a second ahead of brother Charl in the Honda V6-powered Lotus Elise (38.354 sec). The penultimate qualifying runs saw the dramatic retirement of both Scribante and Roets with drivetrain damage on both GT-Rs, leaving the final duel to play out between a trio of rear-wheel drive cars, including 2021 winner Pieter Zeelie in the Toyota MR2 Super GT.

Dawie Joubert’s advantage grew in the Class Finals, finishing 1.095 seconds ahead of Charl, with Zeelie half a second further back due to a turbocharger boost pipe coming loose. Dawie ultimately wrapped up a faultless weekend by securing the King of the Hill title with a time of 38.405 seconds (at an average speed of 178.102 km/h). He finished just a tenth of a second ahead of Zeelie, with Charl Joubert taking the final step of the podium on 39.524 seconds.

This made it first rear-wheel drive car win in three years, and brought Dawie to within 0.276 seconds of Franco Scribante’s current Modified Saloon Car record of 38.129 seconds from 2022 – an astonishing feat, considering the traction advantage the GT-R has with its sophisticated, race-developed all-wheel drive system.

“I’m very happy. The car was exceptionally well prepared by the team and gave me a lot of confidence,” Joubert said. “We were in the fight from the first run, and it was a perfect weekend. This is such a great event that just gets better and better each year.”

In class A for standard production vehicles, JP van der Walt at the wheel of a Porsche was once again an unbeatable combination as he claimed his fourth consecutive King of the Hill victory in a 2021 911 Turbo S.

Having dominated the entire weekend, Van der Walt not only walked away with the prized title, but he set a new record for the class in the process. His final time of 42.935 seconds in the Road Car and Supercar Top 10 Shootout was 1.159 seconds faster than the previous record of 44.094 sec which was set by Reghard Roets in 2019 in a road-legal Nissan R35 GT-R.

“The weekend was actually very stressful, as pushing this fast destroyed the tyres, and I had to skip some of the qualifying sessions and also change my driving style for the last two runs,” Van der Walt said. “The car just didn’t want to turn in properly on the worn tyres, so I had to brake earlier for the corners to get a clean and fast exit. Reghard helped with a lot of tips to get the best time, and Clint Weston gave me a bit of a run for my money, but we had lots of fun.”

Weston was behind the wheel of the mightily powerful but heavy 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT63 E-Performance 4-door hybrid, and he certainly earned the biggest cheers from the record number of spectators with his exhilarating four-wheel drifts through most of the corners up the 1.9 km Simola Hill.

The provisional results placed him second with a time of 44.434 seconds, although he was 0.3 seconds quicker in his prior run in the Class Finals. Garth Mackintosh finished third in his 2017 McLaren 720s.

Class Finals

There were exciting class battles throughout the field for individual honours, including the new class B10 for modified street-legal cars. The 2024 Simola Hillclimb certainly produced a spectacular show for the fans in attendance, as well as the large number of online enthusiasts watching the livestream from around the world.

The class winners were:

Road Cars and Supercars (provisional results, subject to final confirmation)

A1: Thomas Falkiner – Suzuki Swift Sport:                            53.784 sec

A2: Nico Nel – BMW M135i xDrive:                                       56.928 sec

A3: Farhaad Ebrahim – Toyota Supra:                                  45.264 sec

A4: JP van der Walt – Porsche 911 Turbo S:                        43.513 sec

A5: Dayaan Padayachey – Porsche Cayman GTS:              49.322 sec

A6: Gordon Nicholson – Audi R8 V10 Plus:                           47.003 sec

A7: James Temple – Shelby Mustang Super Snake:            47.833 sec

A8: Clint Weston – Mercedes-AMG GT63 E-Performance:  44.134 sec

Modified Saloon Cars

B1: Shuaib Dhansay – Ford Fiesta:                                       57.850 sec

B2: Daniel Rowe – Volkswagen Polo SupaCup:                   44.058 sec

B4: Dawie Joubert – Lotus Exige (Ferrari V8):                      38.966 sec

B5: Aldo Scribante – Audi S4:                                                41.413 sec

B6: Paul Munro – BMW M3:                                                   46.874 sec

B7: Pieter Joubert – Lotus Exige (Mercedes-AMG V8):        43.373 sec

B9: Arnold du Plessis – Nissan Patrol Black Hawk):             54.457 sec

B10: Steve Clark – Nissan R34 GT-R:                                  43.544 sec

Single Seater, Sports Car and Sports Prototypes

C2: Ian Schofield – Mygale SJ Formula Ford:                       42.048 sec

C3: Robert Wolk – Pillbeam MP58 (Infinity Indycar V8):       37.133 sec

C4: Josef Kotze – Birkin S3 (Toyota):                                    54.411 sec

C6: Rui Campos – Shelby CanAm (Ford V8):                       41.826 sec

Spirit of Dave Charlton Award

Each year the special ‘Spirit of Dave Charlton’ award is given to the person or team that reflects South African race legend Dave Charlton’s spirit of impeccable attention to detail, meticulous preparation and commendable performance.

For the 2024 King of the Hill, the award went to Team Scuderia Scribante, headed by brothers Silvio and Aldo Scribante from Gqeberha.

Words: Colin Mileman

Images: Rob Till

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Franco claims King of the Hill

KNYSNA, South Africa, 3 May 2024 – Franco Scribante wrote his name in the Simola Hillclimb record books once again by securing his seventh Classic Conqueror title at this year’s extremely competitive Classic Car Friday on May 3, 2024.

The intense battle between Scribante, who last won the title in 2021, and reigning champion Andre Bezuidenhout proved as thrilling as the thousands of attending fans expected. However, it was Scribante who held the advantage in each of the practice and qualifying sessions throughout the day in his rapid 1970 Chevron B19, and he repeated the feat in the Class Finals when he edged out his rival by 0.328 sec with a time of 41.796 seconds to claim the class H9 win.

In the final all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout, Bezuidenhout’s challenge faltered when the Lola’s gearbox got stuck in third gear coming out of Turn 3, and he was relegated to sixth place overall. In scorching hot conditions, Scribante’s car bogged down slightly as he launched the Chevron off the start line for the crucial last dash, but he gave it absolutely everything on the remainder of the tight and twisty 1.9km Simola Hill course. He recovered to cross the timing beam in 41.937 seconds (at an average speed of 163.1 km/h) to earn a hard-fought Classic Conqueror victory.

“After two challenging years we’re back and I’m very happy to take the win,” Scribante said. “Our game plan for today was to take the fight to our rivals from the first run and that’s what we did by leading every session. It all came together in the end and it’s a fantastic result.”

Charles Arton, the 2015 winner, enjoyed his trip back to the podium with second overall in the Top 10 Shootout with his 1979 March 79A, having set his best time of the day at 43.586 seconds. He also earned third place in class H9, behind Scribante and Bezuidenhout.

Rui Campos made history too by powering his 1974 Porsche 911 RSR to third place in the final shootout with a time of 46.730 seconds – making it the first-ever tin-top car to claim a spot on the Classic Conqueror podium. Campos was rewarded with the class H8 victory too.

James Temple finished fourth in the Top 10 in the roaring 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe and took the class H6 win, with Robert Wolk ending fifth overall in the 1979 Van Diemen RF Formula Ford. With Bezuidenhout having to settle for sixth place as he limped the car across the line, Anthony Rix ended seventh (50.586 sec) in the 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B, while Craig Wessels rounded out the results with a time of 51.179 seconds in his 1983 Porsche 911 RSR IROC.

In the other class results, Rob Prece won H7 in his 1980 Volkswagen Golf (51.170 sec), with H5 going to Ian Kilburn in the 1972 Datsun GX Coupe (53.856 sec) and Porsche specialist Gavin Rooke taking the H4 class win in his 1973 911 (52.204 sec).

While Andre Bezuidenhout endured a difficult 2024 Simola Hillclimb – including the withdrawal of his unbeaten Gould GR55 from King of the Hill due to engine failure during pre-event testing – the family name was held high by his son, Jandre. Driving his dad’s first race car, the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup, Jandre comfortably took the class H3 win with a time of 52.925 seconds.

In class H1 for the ‘golden oldies’, which is contested on a handicap basis, Callum Price emerged victorious in his 1946 Austin Special, after finishing closest to his target time (101.35%). He narrowly beat Gero Lilleike in the 1931 Ford Model A who ended on 101.83%.

Spirit of Dave Charlton Award

Each year the special ‘Spirit of Dave Charlton’ award is given to the person that reflects South African race legend Dave Charlton’s spirit of impeccable attention to detail, meticulous preparation and commendable performance.

For the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, the award went to Farouk Dangor, the owner of Speedy Car Sales and a former competitor in the South African Touring Car and Production Car championships. Dangor’s passion for racing is embodied in the Speedy Car Sales motorsport museum which features many of the cars that he raced over the years, as well as a host of racing memorabilia.

Words: Colin Mileman

Images: Rob Till

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