September 22, 2018 was a great day for motorsports in Curacao for the once popular Hillclimb was reintroduced by SDDK Motorsports after thirty years. Both event spectators and participants enjoyed themselves a great deal at the foot of the iconic Tafelberg surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Fuikbaai.
Some forty entries in 5 categories lined up at the base of the hill where the starter let them loose one by one. After an entire category had gone up the hill, these were dispatched from Parc Ferme to make room for the following category. As the drivers were all very well prepared for the hillclimb, there were no incidents reported which resulted in a smooth running event. In all four timed runs were logged in the afternoon.
Official timing 2018 hillclimb
2018 Hillclimb Curacao trophies
At sunset the awards ceremony was held at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort where a group of event sponsors, marshals, drivers and spectators toasted to the accomplishments of the quickest drivers. As the champagne kept being poured and the hors d’oeuvre being served, most stayed till late in the evening. A group of drivers opted to take advantage of the preferential hotel rates and stayed the entire weekend at the luxury hotel located on the eastern part of the island.
Special attention was given to the bravest of the drivers, Ms. Natalie Pronk, who had to overcome several setbacks of various natures in order to make the calling in her 1972 Fiat 500 (Vintage entry). For this she was given a special recognition.
Natalie Pronk (1972 Fiat 500) with awards ceremony hostess Gina van de Laar
Photo credit: Frank Hoyinck and Chaim Frank. All rights reserved.
SDDK Motorsports 