South Africa’s most prestigious motorsport spectacle, the Simola Hillclimb, roars back into action for its 15th edition next week. From 1 to 4 May 2025, the scenic town of Knysna will once again play host to this adrenaline-charged event, and MasterDrive is set to make a powerful return for the fifth consecutive year — with more to offer than ever before.
At the heart of MasterDrive’s ongoing commitment to Simola is a multifaceted presence that stretches far beyond the finish line. As CEO Eugene Herbert explains, “Our expanded presence at Simola aligns with the broad and evolving role that MasterDrive plays in South African mobility. It’s not just about competition — it’s about community engagement, youth upliftment, and a shared love for motoring excellence.”
Safety First, Always
Once again, MasterDrive will fulfil the critical role of Safety Car provider, an essential component of the event’s operations. Their presence ensures that the climb up Knysna’s iconic hill remains secure for both competitors and spectators. “Should something unexpected occur during the weekend’s racing, we’re there — on standby, ready to intervene and manage the situation safely,” says Herbert.
But safety isn’t just about responding to emergencies — it’s also about education and experience. MasterDrive will also be offering a limited number of VIP rides, giving selected guests the unique chance to feel the thrill of the Hillclimb in a performance car, piloted by professional drivers. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the circuit from the best seat in the house — the passenger side of a high-performance machine.
Competing at the Pinnacle: King of the Hill
Of course, MasterDrive’s presence isn’t confined to support roles. Herbert himself will once again suit up to take on King of the Hill, the headline competition of the weekend. Behind the wheel of a supercharged Mustang, Herbert will tackle the near-2km hill with a blend of precision, power and poise. “The Hillclimb is the perfect environment to merge driving skill with raw vehicle performance. Every second counts, and every corner tests your control.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Perhaps the most meaningful part of MasterDrive’s involvement in Simola 2025 is its Driver Search initiative — a talent empowerment programme that offers a path into motorsport for young drivers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It’s a way to break down the barriers to entry in motorsport,” explains Herbert. “We’re incredibly proud to provide this platform for emerging talent who might never have had access to the sport. Simola offers not just visibility, but validation — a chance to compete on one of South Africa’s most revered motorsport stages.”
Partnering for the Planet
In a move that underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainability, MasterDrive also announced a new partnership with the ROSE Foundation (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment). The Foundation is renowned for its work in reducing the environmental impact of used oil, and the collaboration reflects a shared mission of responsible mobility.
“Motorsport and environmental consciousness aren’t mutually exclusive,” says Herbert. “This partnership demonstrates that every industry — even high-performance motoring — has a role to play in reducing its ecological footprint.”
A Legacy of Purposeful Participation
As the countdown begins for the 2025 Simola Hillclimb, MasterDrive returns not only as a competitor and service provider, but as a change agent — blending performance with purpose, and speed with sustainability.
Whether it’s through safety innovations, talent development, or environmental responsibility, MasterDrive continues to elevate its involvement in South Africa’s flagship hillclimb event — proving that motorsport can be more than just a race. It can be a vehicle for change.
