KNYSNA, South Africa – 30 April 2025
Motoring enthusiasts, mark your calendars – the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb is revving into action from 1 to 4 May 2025, promising four exhilarating days of roaring engines, edge-of-your-seat competition, and vibrant lifestyle entertainment for the whole family.
Renowned as South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, this year’s Hillclimb ups the ante with a thrilling mix of classic automotive nostalgia, cutting-edge electric racing machines, gravity-defying stunts, and fan-friendly experiences – all set against the picturesque backdrop of Knysna’s lush hills and scenic lagoon.
Motorsport Magic: From Classics to Kings
The action kicks off on Thursday, 1 May, with scrutineering and the fan-favourite Classic Car Friday Parade, offering free public access along Knysna’s Waterfront Drive. It’s a rare chance to see historic automotive icons and meet the passionate drivers who bring them to life.
Classic Car Friday, held on 2 May, features three practice and three qualifying sessions, culminating in the highly anticipated Top 10 Shootout. Here, the finest vintage machines and their skilled pilots battle it out for the prestigious Classic Conqueror title.
From 3 to 4 May, it’s time for the King of the Hill showdown – where modern-day titans of speed let loose on the 1.9 km Simola Hill course. Saturday delivers four practice rounds and three qualifying sprints, while Sunday sees the tension peak with final qualifiers, Class Finals, and the ultimate Top 10 Shootouts across three explosive categories: Road Car & Supercar, Modified Saloon Car, and Single Seater & Sports Car.
Global Stars and Gravity-Defying Action
This year’s event welcomes World Rallycross legend Johan Kristoffersson, who will take on King of the Hill in the all-electric Volkswagen Polo RX1e. Kristoffersson will also delight fans with demonstration runs in the 2016 Volkswagen Polo R WRC – the very car that clinched the World Rally Championship with Sébastien Ogier behind the wheel.
Returning crowd favourite Terry Grant, courtesy of Volkswagen, brings his adrenaline-charged stunt show back to Simola, attempting the unthinkable: driving the hill on two wheels in a standard Polo.
Beyond the Track: Entertainment for All
While the hill itself hosts the main attraction, Simola Hillclimb 2025 is designed to delight all ages, with non-stop entertainment and immersive activations:
- Suzuki Auto South Africa comes to life in Gasoline Alley with a dynamic brand showcase.
- Monster Energy returns to Turn 2 with a high-energy activation area.
- The ORMS photographic deck, positioned near the Turn 2 Grandstand, offers shutterbugs unrivalled views to capture every heart-pounding moment.
- AER Helicopters will offer scenic flips, flying above the event and over the Knysna Heads, with VIP coastal routes available.
- A children’s play area, complete with a jumping castle, ensures little motorsport fans are kept entertained.
- A diverse array of food and beverage vendors will cater to every palate, making this a gourmet as well as a petrolhead’s paradise.
And don’t forget to stock up on the new official Simola Hillclimb merchandise, including branded caps and shirts – available in the Pit Vendor Area and Gasoline Alley.
Watch It Live – Wherever You Are
Can’t make it to Knysna? No problem. The entire event will be livestreamed for free via www.simolahillclimb.com, with multi-camera coverage, in-car views, pit lane action, and expert commentary from international motorsport personalities including Rodrigo de Oliviera of Hillclimb Monsters.
The Final Word
Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fanatic, a classic car aficionado, or simply seeking an unforgettable long weekend in the Garden Route, the 2025 Simola Hillclimb is unmissable. Blending thrilling motorsport, international talent, family fun, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a four-day celebration of speed, style, and South African spirit.
Tickets and more info available now at www.simolahillclimb.com
#SimolaHillclimb #KingOfTheHill #ClassicCarFriday
