The 2025 Simola Hillclimb promises its most electrifying edition yet – quite literally – as seven-time World Rallycross (WRX) champion Johan Kristoffersson joins the fray in his all-conquering electric Volkswagen Polo RX1e.
Knysna, South Africa – 15 April 2025
The iconic Simola Hillclimb, set against the forested backdrop of Knysna, has never shied away from delivering speed, spectacle and world-class competition. But the 15th edition, running from 1 to 4 May 2025, is about to eclipse all expectations with a jaw-dropping entry list that blends local legends, monstrous machines, and global motorsport royalty.
Topping the headlines this year is Volkswagen Group Africa’s sensational coup: securing Johan Kristoffersson – seven-time WRX champion and one of the most versatile drivers of his generation. He’ll be piloting the all-electric, 500 kW Volkswagen Polo RX1e that dominated the WRX in 2022 and 2023. With 0–100 km/h acceleration in a scarcely believable 1.8 seconds, Kristoffersson’s entry not only signals Volkswagen Motorsport’s commitment to innovation, but also marks a seismic moment for electrified performance at the Simola Hillclimb.
“We are thrilled to have Johan Kristoffersson joining us for the 15th Simola Hillclimb,” said Ian Shrosbree, MD of Knysna Speed Festival. “Volkswagen’s continued support – first with Petter Solberg in 2023 and now with Johan – is elevating our event to unprecedented international status.”
While the Polo RX1e may lack top-end velocity on Simola’s long straight, its instantaneous torque, razor-sharp agility, and Kristoffersson’s intimate understanding of the chassis are bound to make it a formidable contender – especially through the tight, technical sections of the 1.9 km course.
Scribante vs Roets: The GT-R Rivalry Rages On
Yet, electrification will not have it easy. Franco Scribante returns with The Sheriff – his outrageous 1 600 hp Nissan R35 GT-R that’s become the stuff of Simola legend. As a five-time King of the Hill and current Modified Saloon Car record-holder (38.129 sec), Scribante remains the man to beat. With 250 km/h potential and radical aero, the GT-R is built for one thing: dominance.
But raw power is nothing without control. Scribante’s 2024 attempt was scuppered by gearbox failure during qualifying. Twelve months later, a more robust, launch-optimised iteration of the GT-R is expected to return with vengeance.
On the other side of the GT-R divide stands Reghard Roets and Armageddon, BB Motorsport’s counter-punch. Sporting a subtler aero package but equal menace, Roets’ GT-R traded tenths with Scribante during last year’s qualifiers before a broken differential took him out of contention. With three King of the Hill titles in other categories already in his cabinet, Roets is eyeing the Modified Saloon crown to complete his Simola legacy.
A Grid of Giants: Joubert, Zeelie, Czank and More
This year’s contest isn’t just a three-horse race. Defending champion Dawie Joubert is back with his Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige – a rear-wheel drive lightweight missile that clocked a 38.405 last year, perilously close to Scribante’s record. His brother Charl, in a Honda V6-powered Lotus Elise, is also among the key challengers.
Former champion Pieter Zeelie (Toyota MR2 Super GT) returns hungry, after narrowly missing the crown last year. Expect a close contest in class B4 alongside Czank Racing’s turbocharged Lotus Exiges – one powered by a Nissan GT-R engine, the other by a VW VR32.
Meanwhile, Wade and Jody van Zummeren add flair to class B5 with their respective R34 and R32 GT-Rs, bringing both aggression and unpredictability. Aldo and Silvio Scribante, too, are back in their potent Audi-based machines, hoping to avoid the reliability gremlins that plagued their 2024 bids.
V8 Brutes, Flat-Six Porsches and Factory Polos
Simola wouldn’t be Simola without its thunderous V8 entries. Class B7 sees Giacomo Giannoccaro’s NASCAR-powered BMW Z4 GT3 return alongside his son Ricardo’s GT3-spec Mercedes-AMG GT. Pieter Joubert adds flair with an SLS-engined Lotus Exige, while Mike Verrier enters with a Chevrolet LS7 BMW Z4.
Porsche purists can look forward to Charl Arrangies in a 911 GT3R and Willie de Beer in his GT3 Cup, while class B3’s turbocharged four-cylinder beasts include a Honda-powered Polo 6R (Lee Thompson), a WRX STi (Anton Cronje), and Jared Rossouw’s Golf 6R.
Factory Volkswagen SupaCup racers Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe are set to clash in class B2 once more, this time under the watchful gaze of privateers like Owen Bridger and Kashen Naicker. Even the Subaru-powered Beetle of Louis Cloete makes a quirky but capable return.
From Street-Legal Monsters to Supercharged Bakkies
Simola’s diversity doesn’t end there. Modified street cars in class B10 will see Farouk Dangor in a Nissan R34 GT-R take on Giovanni Fantin (Audi RS3) and Martin van Breda in his VW Golf R.
The SUV and bakkie class (B9) offers heavyweight entertainment with Arnold du Plessis piloting BB Motorsport’s monstrous 396 kW Nissan Patrol Black Hawk against Janus Janse van Rensburg’s Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – luxury, meet lunacy.
The Most Competitive Hillclimb Yet?
With more talent, tech, and power than ever before, the 15th Simola Hillclimb is shaping up to be the most explosive edition yet. The showdown between Kristoffersson’s electric agility, Scribante’s horsepower hurricane, and Roets’ calculated aggression promises edge-of-the-seat action. Throw in a deep bench of past winners and plucky dark horses, and you have a motorsport spectacle that’s not to be missed.
Whether you’re a fan of high-revving naturally aspirated screamers, tyre-shredding turbo beasts, or the silent savagery of electric power – Simola 2025 has it all. Let the countdown begin.
