“Revving up for Victory: Andrew Rackstraw gears up for Simila Hillclimb with high hopes and powerful performance”
Andrew Rackstraw, one of South Africa’s most talented racing drivers, is gearing up for his third year at the Knysna Simola Hillclimb racing event, which takes place annually in the picturesque town of Knysna in the Western Cape.
THIRD TIME SIMOLA
He was fortunate enough to drive the 2L Formula Ford EcoBoost of Ian Schofield in 2022. It was an impressive performance last year, where he finished a surprising third overall in his category. Rackstraw really showcased his abilities in the car and is now focused on driving his very own Formula Volkswagen which is the same car he took up the hill in his first year. The Formula VW is a German Formula 3 car from 2001 and packs an impressive 197kW of power. The whole car with the driver weighs around 620 kilograms so the power-to-weight ratio spells trouble. The main goal for this year’s edition will be to showcase the car up the hill and to have fun. To walk away with a podium would be an added bonus in 2023.
The Knysna Simola Hillclimb is one of the most prestigious motorsport events in South Africa, attracting some of the best drivers from across the country and around the world. The course, which is set over 1.9 kilometres of winding tarmac, is a challenging and technical one, requiring drivers to demonstrate skill, precision, and bravery as they navigate through a series of hairpin bends, fast sweeps, steep gradients, and blind corners.
For Rackstraw, who is no stranger to the world of motorsport, the Knysna Simola Hillclimb represents a unique and exciting challenge, one that he relishes every year. With his years of experience and his innate talent behind the wheel, Rackstraw will be keen to test himself once again. The Simola Hillclimb really tests the driver and their car to the limits. It’s all about how much the risk outweighs the reward.
As mentioned above, this year Rackstraw will once again be driving his RDSA Formula VW which has been specially prepared for the event by the Race Driver SA Team to meet the unique demands of the hillclimb course. With a powerful engine, agile handling, and specialized hillclimb tyres, the Formula VW is a formidable machine, and one that Rackstraw is confident will help him achieve his goals at the Knysna Simola Hillclimb.
Speaking about his preparations for the event, Rackstraw said, “The Knysna Simola Hillclimb is one of the toughest challenges I face as a driver, but it’s also one of the most exciting. The course demands a lot of skill and concentration, and there’s no room for error. That’s why I’ve been working hard with my team to fine-tune the car and make sure it’s performing at its best. We’ve been testing the car extensively in the lead-up to the event, and I feel confident that we have what it takes to challenge for a podium finish.”
One of the key factors that will play a role in Rackstraw’s success at the Knysna Simola Hillclimb is his familiarity with the course. Having competed at the event for the past two years, Rackstraw has a good understanding of the unique challenges that the course presents and has been able to hone his skills and improve his lap times accordingly.
However, Rackstraw is also acutely aware that the competition will be tough, with some of the best drivers in the country pushing for the top spot. To succeed, he will need to be at the top of his game and push himself to the limit on every run.
ANDREW’S THOUGHTS
“The competition at the Knysna Simola Hillclimb is always incredibly tough. There are some really talented drivers out there, and everyone is pushing to be the best. But that’s what makes it so exciting. It’s a true test of skill and determination, and I’m looking forward to giving it my all and seeing where we stand.”
“This event has always been very special to me as it’s a time where I can bond with the team as well as my dad who makes all my dreams a reality.”
“It’s a very special event that I will always have many fond memories of. Just like in the past, I can’t wait to put a spectacle on for the fans and meet everyone there!”
“A big thanks has to go to RDSA and especially Claudio for the immense work that has gone into getting the Formula VW ready.”
In addition to his skills as a driver, Rackstraw also benefits from the support of a talented and experienced team, who work tirelessly to ensure that the Formula VW is performing at its peak. Led by RDSA, a veteran of the motorsport industry, the team includes some of the best driver coaches and support.
See you guys tomorrow and Sunday in Knysna and be ready for the RDSA Formula VW to make some noise!
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