The 2025 Simola Hillclimb—South Africa’s premier motorsport showcase—unfolded as a poignant fusion of elation and sorrow. Now in its fifteenth year, the iconic Knysna-based event was marked by its first-ever fatality: the tragic loss of veteran competitor Pieter Joubert. His passing cast a solemn shadow over the weekend’s proceedings, but it also illuminated the profound camaraderie, resilience, and heart that define South African motorsport.
In a powerful act of grace and solidarity, Joubert’s brothers, Charl and Dawie, made the difficult decision to withdraw from competition. Yet they insisted the event carry on, urging the community to race in Pieter’s honour. Their quiet strength set the tone for the weekend—a dignified remembrance that did not dampen the competitive spirit that makes Simola such a treasured fixture on the motorsport calendar.
And race they did.
The hill echoed with life as spectators, unified in tribute, remained steadfast through to Sunday’s final runs. The competition was fierce, the energy electric. Records tumbled as top contenders pushed their machines and themselves to the edge.
Among the standout participants was a formidable contingent of Motul-backed teams and drivers. From the Border Towing Team in East London to Jared Roussow, the father-son pairing of Andre and Jeandre Bezuidenhout, Piet Potgieter, Clinton Laurens, and the ever-formidable VW Motorsport team—all embodied Motul’s ethos of relentless performance and unwavering community spirit.
A highlight came from Reggie Roets of BB Motorsport, who piloted his Motul-lubricated Nissan GTR R35—aptly nicknamed Armageddon—to a stunning second-place finish in the Modified Saloon Car category. Roets broke the 40-second barrier, clocking a time just 1.280 seconds off the pace of eventual King of the Hill, Pieter Zeelie. In doing so, he joined an elite club that includes Zeelie, EV record-setter Johan Kristofferson, and former title-holder Franco Scribante.
“Once again, Simola was our highlight of the motorsport calendar,” said Roets. “It was bittersweet this year with the passing of our friend and fierce competitor Pieter Joubert. But we raced in his honour, and our team’s relentless effort was rewarded with a class win and a second overall in the King of the Hill shootout.”
Reflecting on the resilience and unity of the Simola community, Mercia Jansen, Motul’s General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa, shared:
“Motul is proud to have supported some of Simola’s top contenders over the years, through every high and low. These partnerships speak to our deep-rooted commitment to their journey. Pieter Joubert’s loss was a devastating blow, but the way the Simola family came together around his team, friends and loved ones was the ultimate testament to the spirit that drives this event.”
While the fifteenth Simola Hillclimb will forever be marked by tragedy, it will also be remembered for the strength, unity, and excellence that followed. It served as a powerful reminder that motorsport is more than just competition—it is legacy, community, and above all, heart.
