Imagine stepping into the ring of automotive warfare, where precision counts in millimeters and victories are decided by fractions of a second.

Welcome to the adrenaline-fueled battleground of the Simola Hillclimb's Modified Saloon Car showdown, where South Africa's fastest tin-top racing beasts roar into action.

Franco Scribante

Picture this: two titans, Franco Scribante with his sleek 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R dubbed 'The Sheriff,' and Reghard Roets piloting the menacing BB Motorsport 'Armageddon' 2014 R35 GT-R, locked in a nail-biting duel. Last year's showdown saw Roets snatch the lead during qualifying, edging out Scribante by a hair's breadth. But when the rain came pouring down during the finals, it was Scribante who seized the moment, clinching his fifth title in the Top 10 Shootout.

Reghard Roets

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Now, as the 2024 showdown looms, anticipation crackles in the air. Roets is itching for redemption, determined to reclaim his crown.

"Last year was a tough one," he admits, "but I'm eager to see what we can pull off this time."

Scribante, equally hungry for victory, knows it'll come down to who brings their A-game on race day.

But these two aren't the only ones vying for glory. A legion of contenders stands ready to challenge, from Martin van Zummeren's ballistic Nissan R34 GT-R to the Scribante brothers' audacious Audis. And let's not forget the wild cards like Pieter Zeelie's turbocharged Toyota MR2 Super GT and Wade van Zummeren's fierce Nissan R34 GT-R silhouette machine.

Martin van Zummeren

In a twist this year, the battlefield expands to include the Modified Street Car division. Farouk Dangor, a veteran of the track, spearheads this new frontier, piloting his souped-up Nissan R35 GT-R. It's a move aimed at leveling the playing field between full-blown racers and street-legal marvels, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already electrifying event.

As engines roar and tires screech, one thing's for sure: the 2024 Simola Hillclimb is primed to deliver an unforgettable spectacle, where every turn could be a game-changer and every racer a legend in the making.

Dawie Joubert

Colin Windell

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Images: Rob Till