Battle to determine 2022 Simola King of the Hill kicks off despite threats of rain

• The battle for the 2022 Simola King of the Hill champion started with a great first day of racing.

• Drivers raced up the 1.9km Simola Hill, improving on their times after rain impacted the morning's running.

• Suzuki South Africa fielded two Swift Sport models.

• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24

The 2022 Simola Hillclimb is back in Knysna for the second day of action. The battle for King of the Hill, duelled over two over days, looked to be under threat after heavy rains the night before, but Day 1 - the first after Classic Car Friday - continued almost unopposed after the morning rain had subsided.

As always, competitors took to the track in three practice sessions. During these, competitors can hone their skills and understand their machinery up the 1.9km climb. However, with the rain having made its appearance, track conditions were completely different and more challenging than the previous day.

READ: Classic Car Friday kickstarts 2022 Simola Hillclimb as erstwhile machines tackle the course

Drivers struggled off the line as tyres struggled to grip the moist surface. Some cars exhibited massive wheelspin, so much so that the rear would step out and drivers catching it before something went horribly wrong. Unfortunately, some competitors met their match on the daunting Simola Hill and spectacularly crashed out.

Three qualifying sessions took flight following the practice sessions, but the rain returned midway through Q2 and then properly in Q3. Drivers failed to put in the 'ultimate' lap in Q3, but Q1 and Q2 allowed for competitive running to take place.

Robert Wolk, driving a Pillbeam Infinity V8, set the fastest qualifying time in Q1, having posted a 40.221 second. Reghard Roets, in his Nissan GT-R R35, was