As has been customary for the past four years, Suzuki (as the title sponsor) once again entered three Suzuki Swift Sport models. Weighing in at 970kg and powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine, the 6-speed automatic Swift Sport is the perfect weapon for the 1.9km Simola Hillclimb.
Photos: Suzuki Auto South Africa
Whilst it might not necessarily threaten the sub 40 seconds times of Franco Scribante, Robert Wolk, Reghard Roets and Deon Joubert, the Swift Sport is the perfect representation of Suzuki’s ideology. The brand aims to show their customers that fun can be had in any of their cars.
Another private competitor, Giles Missing did just that. The stock standard Swift Sport saw only new slicks placed on the car for the event.
Practice sessions:
Saturday morning saw three practice sessions, with Thomas Falkiner taking first blood in the official Suzuki battle. A mere 0.387 seconds separated the three Suzuki drivers in the first practice session.
Greybe pressed the pedal down harder during the second heat, posting a blistering time of 54.960 sec, while Falkiner finished some 0.331 sec off the pace. Staniforth also improved his P1 time by 0.017 sec.
Each of the three drivers improved their times during the final practice session, with Greybe once again taking the lead with a 54.639, while Staniforth almost managed a sub-55 sec time.
In 2022, Greybe managed to set the fastest Suzuki Swift Sport time up the hill (54.395); a time almost bested by Falkiner during the fourth practice session as he crossed the line in 54.534 sec.
Qualifying:
This meant that Falkiner took the quickest time for Team Suzuki on the day, with Greybe in second and Staniforth in third.
It would be all to play for on day 2 as the weather is set to be warmer.
Competition heating up at the head of the field
With André Bezuidenhout out of the competition, the 2024 Simola Hillclimb was blown wide open. The likes of the two Joubert brothers, Reghard Roets, Robert Wolk, and Franco Scribante would all have their eyes on the prize.
Roets laid down the gauntlet, setting a time just over 38 seconds as early as practice, whilst the rest of the top-runners managed times in the 39’s. Robert Wolk managed a time of 37.2 during the qualification sessions, ending the day as the Saturday King of the Hill. However, the single seater favourite suffered mechanical failure during the last session.
Dawie Joubert posted a 38.801 during the second session, whilst Roets also managed a time of 38.8 during the third qualification session.
This begs the question whether Roets, Joubert or even Scribante can manage to snatch the title tomorrow.
Remember to also catch the action live at: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/live-streaming/