KNYSNA, South Africa, 16 January 2026
With just two weeks remaining before applications close, interest in the 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb is already running at full throttle. Entry submissions for South Africa’s premier hillclimb event close on 31 January 2026, and organisers report an impressive response from drivers and teams eager to take on the iconic Simola course.
Widely regarded as the country’s leading motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, the Simola Hillclimb continues to attract an exceptional mix of local talent and internationally recognised competitors. The 2026 edition promises to build on this reputation, delivering a diverse and competitive field across both Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill.
“We have received an impressive number and calibre of entry applications thus far, and are delighted with the response for both Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill,” says Leon Smith, Simola Hillclimb sporting director. “With the 31 January deadline just two weeks away, we encourage all aspiring competitors to submit their applications as soon as possible.
“Our goal every year is to deliver an exciting line-up of cars and drivers to keep the field competitive and the spectators enthralled,” Smith adds. “The level of local and international interest continues to grow each year, and we look forward to raising the bar even higher in 2026.”
A celebration of motoring history and modern performance
The 16th Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026 in Knysna, with four days of action and spectacle planned. Proceedings begin on Thursday, 30 April, with scrutineering for Classic Car Friday competitors, followed by the much-anticipated public parade along the Knysna Waterfront. Both events are open to the public and free to attend, setting the tone for a memorable long weekend.
Classic Car Friday, held on 1 May, will feature 65 competitors across 10 classes, showcasing everything from century-old vintage machines to legendary road and race cars that defined generations, right through to iconic models from the early 2000s. It remains one of the most evocative days on the Simola calendar, blending heritage, sound and spectacle in equal measure.
The intensity ramps up over the weekend with King of the Hill, running on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May. A total of 84 entries will compete, spanning standard road cars, exotic supercars, highly tuned road-legal machines, extreme modified saloon racing cars, as well as uncompromising single-seaters and sports prototypes. Together, they form one of the most varied and thrilling competitive line-ups in South African motorsport.
What happens next
From 1 February 2026, all submitted entries will be carefully reviewed by the Simola Hillclimb organisers. Successful applicants will receive official invitations to participate by 14 February 2026.
With the countdown to the entry deadline well underway, prospective competitors are urged to act quickly to secure their place in one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events on the local motorsport calendar.
