In an impressive display of speed and skill, Volkswagen Motorsport celebrated significant victories at the renowned Simola Hillclimb in Knysna. The event, a favorite among South African motorsport enthusiasts, saw Volkswagen’s drivers outperform expectations in a thrilling weekend of racing.
Daniel Rowe and Jonathan Mogotsi led the charge with a spectacular one-two finish in the B2 class aboard their Volkswagen SupaPolos, showcasing a classic underdog victory. Daniel Rowe clinched the class victory with an exceptional 44.058-second run, securing 13th place overall, which he described as a satisfying defeat against some of the more powerful vehicles. Jonathan Mogotsi followed closely, finishing second in class and 15th overall, further cementing the SupaPolo’s reputation for versatility and performance across different racing formats.
Adding to the weekend’s success, Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard steered his Volkswagen Golf Mk 1 GTi to third place in the classic cars class. This marked his best performance in his three appearances at the Simola Hillclimb, thanks to significant vehicle upgrades. Prof’s Golf GTi, a vehicle with over 40 years of storied history in South African motorsport, stood proudly on the podium alongside the class-winning Manufacturers Challenge Golf.
Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport, praised the event and his team’s performance, highlighting the exhilarating atmosphere and the standout moments from their drivers, who managed to outperform many higher-specification cars.
Volkswagen Motorsport now turns its focus back to the upcoming rounds of the National Championship Extreme Festival, featuring the Astron Energy Polo Cup and the Volkswagen Rookie Cup. The team is set to compete next at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria on May 18, riding high from their triumphs at Simola.
