Knysna, South Africa, 16 January 2025 – The stage is set for the thrilling 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb, South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, which will take place from 1 to 4 May 2025 in the scenic town of Knysna. With only two weeks remaining until the application deadline on 31 January, competitors eager to take part in this legendary event must submit their entries now.
Known for attracting the finest and fastest cars, as well as a star-studded roster of drivers, the Simola Hillclimb is a celebration of both speed and sophistication. The racecourse, a tight and technical 1.9-kilometre stretch up the Simola Hill, promises heart-stopping action as drivers aim to set the quickest time possible. However, before the engines roar to life, event organisers meticulously review all entries to select the vehicles and drivers that will deliver a truly unforgettable spectacle for the thousands of spectators who flock to Knysna, as well as the millions who watch via livestream.
Classic Car Friday – A Tribute to Automotive History
Kicking off the event on Friday, 2 May 2025, Classic Car Friday offers 65 competitor spots across 10 distinct classes. From the timeless charm of pre-war automobiles in Class H1, competing under a unique handicap system, to the thrilling acceleration of single-seaters, sports and GT cars up to 1985, Classic Car Friday showcases the golden era of motoring. Road-going cars and racing saloon cars up to the year 2000 also take part, ensuring that there’s something for every enthusiast to marvel at.
King of the Hill – The Ultimate Motorsport Showdown
The real pulse of the Simola Hillclimb, King of the Hill, takes place on 3 and 4 May 2025, with 84 competitor spots available across 8 exciting classes. These range from standard production road cars and supercars to the highly anticipated racing cars, which span 10 classes of mild to wild tin-top saloon cars, as well as 7 classes for single-seaters, sports cars, and prototype racers. This diverse mix guarantees intense competition and a thrilling variety of vehicles, from road-going icons to bespoke race-prepared machines.
“We’ve seen fantastic interest in this year’s event, including numerous applications from new and international competitors,” says Geoff Goddard, sporting director of the Simola Hillclimb. “Each year, the quality of entries escalates, with many competitors building or preparing their cars specifically for the event. 2025 promises to be no exception, with even more impressive machines set to take the hill.”
Don’t Miss Your Chance
Competitors eager to participate in the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb are encouraged to submit their applications by 31 January 2025. Detailed information regarding rules, regulations, and class structures for both Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill is available on the event’s official website. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-February.
The Ultimate Automotive Experience
The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb will start on a perfectly timed long weekend, thanks to the public holiday on Thursday, 1 May, which marks Workers’ Day. This provides an extended opportunity for fans to soak up the full experience. The opening day will feature the scrutineering of the cars for Classic Car Friday, followed by a free-to-attend parade along the picturesque Knysna Waterfront. This is a chance for fans to get up close to the cars and drivers before the competition heats up.
Friday, 2 May, will see Classic Car Friday competitors take to the hill, followed by the Top 10 Shootout where the fastest drivers will battle it out for the prestigious Classic Conqueror title. Scrutineering and the spectacular waterfront parade for King of the Hill will take place on Friday, setting the stage for the weekend’s main event.
Saturday, 3 May, kicks off with practice sessions, followed by the first round of qualifying runs. As the weekend unfolds, Sunday, 4 May, promises nail-biting action with the final rounds of qualifying, culminating in the Top 10 Shootouts for each of the three categories: Road Cars and Supercars; Modified Saloon Cars; and Single Seaters, Sports Cars, and Sports Prototypes.
Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets Now!
The Simola Hillclimb is the automotive event of the year – a must-attend for motorsport enthusiasts, car collectors, and families alike. Mark your calendars for 1 to 4 May 2025, and make sure to secure your tickets early.
For more information, including competitor entry details and online ticket sales, visit the official Simola Hillclimb website at www.simolahillclimb.com.
