The Simola Hillclimb concluded last weekend. It was a successful and memorable event for MasterDrive as the company both resumed driving the safety support vehicles for the third time and entered King of the Hill along with the winner of MasterDrive’s inaugural Driver Search.
CEO, Eugene Herbert, says the opportunity to represent MasterDrive at Simola Hillclimb as a competitor was an extraordinary experience. “From our first role driving the safety support vehicles to now enter as competitors, only enhanced what was already an exhilarating experience. Additionally, throughout the weekend, the team assumed different roles and experienced the Hillclimb’s many different facets.
“As a competitor, it’s completely different to providing VIP rides- where you run at 80% but when racing you are on the edge – edge of the road and edge of your abilities. You are in total control of what is happening (at a speed). It’s a total rush for all of one minute- until the next run,” says Herbert.
The winner of the MasterDrive Driver Search, Bevin Harris, shared similar thoughts on his experience competing in King of the Hill as well as what it was like to stand in the shoes of drivers he looks up to. “It was both a humbling and confidence-inducing experience.
“As a child, I looked up to these race car drivers as role models and it now evolved to where I was that driver. During the weekend, I had kids asking me for an autograph and if they could take pictures of the car.”
The opportunity helped Harris grow as a driver and in other ways too. “As a result of MasterDrive granting me this opportunity, I gained experience not only driving a race car but in a competitive race amongst skilled and professional drivers that I would never ordinarily have been exposed to. This valuable knowledge will help me in my future endeavours. On a personal level, it taught me to be disciplined, adaptable and to have perseverance, as anything can go wrong.
“What MasterDrive did for me and what they can do for others in the future, will help drivers with a passion to excel in the sport, even if they lack the means to pursue it. It provides an opportunity to overcome these initial barriers and demonstrate their passion and talent.”
Harris expresses his appreciation to all that made this opportunity possible. “A massive thanks to MasterDrive, Castrol, Dunlop Tyres, RaceDriveSA, Performance with Page, Simola Hillclimb, Laude Classics, Motorsport South Africa, Tourvest, Racing 4 Change, Design Your Sign, The Agents Garage, Killarney International Raceway, Big Tow and NMI Ford Tygervalley.
“These awesome people were there every step of the way. Everyone made me feel like a superstar. I’m truly grateful and privileged for the guidance and mentoring. Thank you for giving me the platform to share my experience. I’m overwhelmed with all the support I received from family and friends. A big thanks goes to event organisers, track marshals, spectators, media teams and MSA officials,” says Harris.
Herbert concludes that Simola Hillclimb 2023 was an epic one for MasterDrive. “We were privileged to help Bevin take a step in the right direction in developing his career. Our team was also able to mark off a bucket list item by competing in the event and we look forward to next year’s event.”
