KNYSNA, South Africa – 15 August 2025 – South Africa’s motorsport story is steeped in glory, forged over a century of competition and camaraderie. From the roar of engines at the original Prince George Grand Prix circuit in East London to the iconic tarmac of Kyalami, Roy Hesketh and Killarney, the country has been home to some of the most exciting moments in racing history. Legendary international drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and John Surtees once graced these circuits, facing off against homegrown heroes like Jody and Ian Scheckter, Doug Serrurier, Dave Charlton, and Basil van Rooyen.
This heritage is not only about the drivers but also the machines. From the pre-war artistry of Maserati, Bugatti and Riley, to the engineering prowess of Lotus, Brabham, Ferrari and McLaren, these cars helped cement South Africa’s reputation as a motorsport destination. Thankfully, many of these icons remain alive in spirit – not as silent museum displays, but as thundering, oil-scented reminders of a golden era.
Few embody this ethos more completely than Rodney Green – racer, restorer, and custodian of classic competition cars.
A Hillclimb Stalwart
The Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, now in its 15th edition, is one of the world’s most respected hillclimb events and the crown jewel of South African motorsport’s lifestyle calendar. Each year, the 1.9 km course transforms into a celebration of speed, skill and history – from century-old grand prix cars to modern-day track monsters.
Rodney Green has been there from the very start. While circumstances have kept him from attending a couple of editions, his name has been on the entry list for every Simola Hillclimb since its inception in 2009.
“The first Simola Hillclimb was very informal, with basic facilities, but the spirit was there from day one,” Green recalls. “Now, it’s a highly professional, world-class event – and that growth has been fantastic to witness.”
Green’s racing résumé spans more than half a century, covering sprint and endurance races across South Africa and abroad, from Le Mans to Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone to Shelsley Walsh. His participation at Simola has seen him behind the wheel of an enviable list of historic machinery: the 1929 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix, the 1934 Riley Ulster Imp, the 1946 MG TC Spider known affectionately as “Fat Man”, and the formidable 1952 Cooper Bristol Formula 2 – the last of the great front-engined single-seaters.
This year, he brought something even more special – a 1957 Cooper Climax Formula 2, painstakingly restored over 15 years. “It’s a very special car,” Green says. “It raced across Europe in mixed fields and even competed in the 1960 South African Grand Prix in East London. It’s completely original, with the same chassis, engine, gearbox and aluminium body it had in period.”
The Piri Piri Racing Spirit
Green competes under the Piri Piri Racing Team banner, a collective of classic car devotees including Simola regulars Dave Alexander, Di Dugmore, Roger Lewis, Heyns Stead, Fred Phillips and Ron Hollis. The team’s name was born in Mozambique over good food and perhaps one too many drinks, and it’s stuck ever since – a light-hearted nod to the camaraderie that fuels this community.
But behind the humour is deep dedication. Green has long championed initiatives that make events more inclusive and competitive for classic racers. His advocacy was instrumental in introducing the handicap format for the oldest pre-war cars in Classic Car Friday, enabling vastly different machines to compete on fairer terms.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2016, Green’s meticulous preparation, sportsmanship and commitment to racing history earned him the Spirit of Dave Charlton Award – named after one of South Africa’s most respected Formula 1 drivers. The award honours competitors who demonstrate Charlton’s attention to detail, persistence and performance, and Green remains a fitting example.
“I’m a middle-of-the-field racer,” he says with a smile. “That’s where I like to be – having fun. I’ll keep racing as long as I can, especially at Simola.”
For South Africa’s motorsport faithful, Rodney Green represents something rare: a bridge between the country’s golden past and its vibrant present. Through his passion, knowledge and willingness to put priceless machinery to the test, he ensures that history isn’t just remembered – it’s experienced.
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb will take place from 30 April to 3 May 2026. For more information, visit www.simolahillclimb.com.
