Suzuki Auto South Africa made a commanding presence atop the Class A1 podium at this year’s Simola Hill Climb in Knysna, showcasing an exceptional performance that left spectators in awe.
Fielding a trio of Suzuki Swift Sport hot hatches, the team not only shattered its own lap record but also delivered lap times that surpassed previous years’ performances by a significant margin. Piloted by seasoned drivers Thomas Falkiner, Wesley Greybe, and Brendon Staniforth, each car surged ahead, showcasing the prowess of the Suzuki brand on the challenging hill climb course.
For Falkiner, it marked his inaugural drive in the front-wheel-drive Swift Sport at Simola, while Staniforth embarked on his debut hill climb. Greybe, an experienced hand, guided his fellow racers with his wealth of knowledge from previous hill climb events.
Chelsy Pinto, Assistant Manager: Product Planning and Sales Development and Suzuki Race Team Manager, expressed astonishment at the team’s accomplishments. “We had hopes of beating our 2023 times, but the margin by which we succeeded exceeded our expectations,” she remarked. “Thomas and Wes both broke through the 54-second barrier, with Thomas setting an all-time record time in a Suzuki Swift of 53.551 seconds.”
The 2023 Simola Hill Climb campaign by Suzuki was marked by unique strategies, including the decision to enter three identical cars, all equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. This departure from previous years’ mixed transmission models aimed to showcase the uniform performance of the vehicles, regardless of transmission type.
Pinto elaborated on the team’s approach, stating, “All three drivers have racing experience, so we decided to put them in matching cars to level the playing field. The results surpassed our expectations, with healthy competition driving each driver to surpass previous records.”
The drivers consistently improved their lap times, demonstrating remarkable performance across all runs, including practice and warm-up sessions. This relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in a combined 288 runs up the Simola Hill over three years without encountering mechanical issues or setbacks.
Reflecting on the experience, Staniforth expressed his delight, noting a significant improvement in his lap times throughout the event. Falkiner echoed the sentiment, relishing his victory and the camaraderie among competitors.
Aside from the stellar performance on the track, this year’s campaign witnessed a private entry by Giles Missing, who joined the Suzuki team with his own Swift Sport. His participation underscored the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere fostered by the event.
Suzuki Auto South Africa’s involvement in the Simola Hill Climb aligns with its commitment to making motorsport accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts. The brand’s expanded engagement, from a general sponsor to a Tier 1 Sponsor, reflects its dedication to supporting events that embody its ethos of fun and excitement.
Moreover, Suzuki’s investment in various events, such as the UltX Action Sport Festival and the Muddy Princess obstacle mud run series, underscores its commitment to promoting an active lifestyle beyond the racing circuit.
For those interested in experiencing the thrill of the Suzuki Swift Sport and exploring Suzuki’s partnerships with events promoting an active lifestyle, more information is available at www.suzukiauto.co.za.
