PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 30 April 2025 – The roar of V8s and the scent of burning rubber are set to fill the air once more as Ford and its performance partners prepare to make an electrifying impact at the 2025 Simola Hillclimb. Taking place in Knysna from 2–4 May, the annual event is South Africa’s premier celebration of speed, engineering excellence and automotive passion — and this year, Ford’s presence will be felt louder and stronger than ever before.
Mustang’s Hillclimb Debut: GT and Dark Horse Make Their Mark
All eyes will be on the seventh-generation Ford Mustang as it makes its Simola Hillclimb debut in two thrilling forms — the muscular Mustang GT and the more aggressive, track-focused Mustang Dark Horse. With its sharpened aerodynamics, unique chassis tuning and 5.0-litre fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine, the Dark Horse is designed to deliver visceral performance on and off the track.
Adding to the spectacle, MasterDrive — the official safety car and VIP hospitality partner — will showcase the Mustang GT in its official duties, underscoring Ford’s high-performance credibility. Meanwhile, seasoned racer and South African Rally-Raid Championship driver, Lance Woolridge, will temporarily trade dust trails for tarmac sprints as he pilots the Mustang Dark Horse in heart-pounding exhibition runs. Expect fireworks as the iconic pony car charges up the famed 1.9km hill.
Shelby Storms the Hill: Lindenberg Racing Brings the Heat
Simola wouldn’t be Simola without the thunderous presence of Lindenberg Racing and Shelby South Africa, who return for their 12th Hillclimb with unmatched firepower. Under the all-new Team Shelby Racing banner, they’ll bring an astonishing six Shelby vehicles to compete in the adrenaline-charged King of the Hill challenge — the largest team entry at the event.
Among the standouts are:
- James Temple in a rare Shelby Wide Body Super Snake
- Paige Lindenberg in the stunning Shelby Speedster
- Joshua O’Callaghan, Vinesh Padayachy, Deon Smit and Paul Malatjie — all behind the wheel of monstrous Shelby Super Snakes
With more than 5 600 horsepower combined, these Mustangs are primed to dominate the leaderboard — and captivate fans with their raw acceleration, thunderous soundtracks and fearsome style.
Classic Car Friday: Homage to Heritage
On Classic Car Friday, nostalgia meets performance as Ford’s historic lineage roars to life. Three Ford-powered legends will represent Team Shelby Racing in this retro-spirited showcase:
- James Temple’s 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, packing a formidable 390kW from its 5.8-litre V8
- Paige Lindenberg’s stately yet savage Ford Fairlane V8
- Djurk Venter’s Group 2 1972 Capri Perana, a homegrown motorsport icon
Another jewel in the classic crown is the return of the 1965 Ford GT40 recreation, expertly piloted by Peter MacPherson. This South African-built tribute to Ford’s historic 1966 Le Mans triumph — when Ford and Shelby beat Ferrari at its own game — has previously clinched class victories at Simola and returns to honour that legacy. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.9-litre V8, the GT40 is a reminder that true performance is timeless.
Ford-Powered Race Cars: Engines of Legacy
Beyond the high-profile Mustangs and classic icons, Ford’s engineering influence runs deep throughout the Simola entry list. From March single-seaters driven by Charles Arton and Ian Schofield — both powered by the legendary Ford Cosworth BDG engine — to Franco Scribante’s Chevron and a duo of Formula Ford racers driven by Robert Wolk and Simphiwe Mohlahlo with trusty Ford Kent powerplants, the Blue Oval’s motorsport DNA is on full display.
Watch It All Live
For those who can’t make the pilgrimage to Knysna, Simola Hillclimb 2025 will be livestreamed across all three days of high-octane action, free of charge at www.simolahillclimb.com. Whether you’re a motorsport fanatic or a casual enthusiast, this year’s Ford showcase is one not to be missed.
