Johannesburg, 2 September 2024 – Volkswagen Motorsport is ready to make a statement at the highly anticipated Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, 5 October in Pretoria. The iconic event, known for its exhilarating hill climb, will see Volkswagen field a formidable lineup of nine race cars, led by seasoned driver Jonathan Mogotsi and his Hillclimb SupaPolo. The team will also feature an exciting collaboration between the brand’s Rookie Cup competitors and prominent motoring journalists.
The challenge itself is a 2000-metre hill climb, taking place in the reverse direction of the Zwartkops Raceway. Starting at turn 4 and culminating at turn 5, the climb is renowned for testing both driver skill and vehicle performance. “The track is fast but relies less on raw speed and more on finesse,” explains Volkswagen Head of Motorsport, Mike Rowe. He believes the event will provide a unique platform for Volkswagen’s drivers to test their mettle against larger, more powerful competitors.
Jonathan Mogotsi, no stranger to the thrill of high-speed racing, shares his excitement about the challenge ahead. “I’m really looking forward to taking on some of the big, powerful cars for a spot in the top ten,” Mogotsi says. His Hillclimb SupaPolo will be the spearhead for Volkswagen’s efforts, bringing a blend of agility and precision to the race.
Adding to the excitement is the participation of Volkswagen’s Rookie Cup drivers, who will team up with four respected motoring journalists for a weekend of intense competition. Each Rookie, driving a Volkswagen Motorsport Polo Vivo GT, will be paired with a journalist for the event. “We’re thrilled that the Zwartkops organisers have created a special class for our Rookie Cup cars,” Rowe adds. The pairing will be determined by a number draw after practice, with each Rookie then racing alongside their journalist partner.
The journalists competing include Maroela Media’s Brendon Staniforth, Jacob Moshokoa from cars.co.za, Isolezwe’s Fanele Bhengu, and Rebaneilwe Semakane of Reba S on Cars. These media professionals, though not full-time racers, will have the opportunity to showcase their driving skills alongside Volkswagen’s emerging talents in what promises to be a thrilling weekend of motorsport action.
The Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge officially kicks off on Friday, with the all-important final scheduled for Saturday. Volkswagen Motorsport’s participation in the event not only highlights their commitment to nurturing fresh talent through the Rookie Cup but also showcases the brand’s competitive spirit in one of South Africa’s most exciting motorsport arenas.
As the weekend draws near, all eyes will be on Volkswagen’s contingent, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how the combination of experienced drivers, rising stars, and media personalities will fare in this thrilling hill climb spectacle.
