Knysna, South Africa – The Simola Hillclimb, the crown jewel of South Africa’s motoring and motorsport calendar, returns for its 15th edition from 1 to 4 May 2025, promising to once again captivate car enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike. Since its inception in 2009, the event has steadily evolved into a prestigious gathering, attracting top drivers and the fastest, most powerful cars from across South Africa—and beyond.
Competitor applications are now open on the event’s official website, with interested participants having until 31 January 2025 to apply for a coveted spot in this exclusive invitational. The Simola Hillclimb has grown into an international spectacle, featuring high-profile drivers like WRC champion Petter Solberg and former F1 driver Mika Salo, while its global appeal is cemented by a popular livestream, which drew nearly half a million viewers for the 2024 edition. With over 19,000 spectators attending in person, the upcoming event promises to be bigger and better.
A Weekend of Motorsport Excellence
The Simola Hillclimb showcases an array of vehicles ranging from meticulously restored classic cars to modern engineering marvels. The competition spans three days of fierce racing along the demanding 1.9 km Simola Hill course, a tight and technical challenge that tests the mettle of both drivers and machines in their pursuit of the ultimate prize: Classic Conqueror and King of the Hill glory.
“The Simola Hillclimb evolves each year as we aim to deliver the very best line-up of cars and drivers,” says Geoff Goddard, the event’s sporting director. “We continually refine the regulations and classes to ensure a level playing field while offering spectators an unforgettable experience.”
Classic Car Friday: Nostalgia on Wheels
Kicking off the festivities on 2 May is Classic Car Friday, a showcase of up to 64 historic vehicles competing across 10 classes. Among the notable updates for 2025 is the introduction of separate classes for open-wheel single-seater race cars (Class H9) and racing sports and GT cars (Class H10), with an extended cut-off date to 1985. This change paves the way for iconic Formula Atlantic single-seaters and other race cars from that era to compete.
Franco Scribante, a legend in the Classic Car category, will be looking to defend his title as Classic Conqueror, a crown he claimed for the seventh time in 2024 with his 1970 Chevron B19, completing the course in an impressive 41.796 seconds.
King of the Hill: The Pinnacle of Performance
The heart of the event, King of the Hill, takes place over Saturday and Sunday, featuring up to 84 of the country’s finest road and race cars. These machines, ranging from high-performance road cars to hillclimb monsters, will compete across three categories, each offering the coveted Jody Trophy in honour of South Africa’s only Formula 1 world champion, Jody Scheckter.
In Class A, standard road-going cars, including hybrids and electric vehicles, will battle it out under strict rules designed to keep the competition fair—only minor safety modifications are permitted, and the use of standard tyres and 95-octane fuel is mandatory. In 2024, JP van der Walt set a new class record of 42.935 seconds in his Porsche 911 Turbo S, securing his fourth victory.
Class B pushes the limits further, featuring highly modified saloon cars, from turbocharged all-wheel-drive machines to powerful naturally aspirated engines. With performance modifications allowed and racing fuel on the table, this category promises high-octane excitement. Dawie Joubert dominated the 2024 edition, clinching the title with a blistering 38.405-second run in his Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige.
Finally, Class C showcases the fastest machines on the hill, from single-seaters to cutting-edge sports prototypes. Robert Wolk claimed victory in 2024, piloting his Infinity IndyCar V8-powered Pilbeam MP58 to an impressive 37.403 seconds. Yet the overall record still belongs to Andre Bezuidenhout, who in 2022 set a jaw-dropping 34.161-second mark in his 2007 Gould GR55—a feat that remains unmatched but not unchallenged.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With its 15th edition on the horizon, the Simola Hillclimb is poised to deliver its most exhilarating edition yet. From classic car aficionados to cutting-edge supercar enthusiasts, this unique event offers something for everyone. Whether watching in person or tuning in via livestream, fans can expect a spectacular showcase of speed, skill, and automotive beauty.
For more information and to apply as a competitor, visit Simola Hillclimb. Applications close on 31 January 2025, and successful entries will be confirmed by 14 February.
The Simola Hillclimb is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of automotive culture, a thrilling journey through the history and future of motoring, and a weekend not to be missed. #SimolaHillclimb
