Simola Hillclimb

 

About the Simola Hillclimb

Welcome to the Simola Hillclimb—South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event.

Since its inception, the Hillclimb has grown into a globally recognised celebration of speed, engineering excellence, and motorsport culture. Set against the stunning backdrop of Knysna, this annual event has become a must-attend for motorsport fans, competitors, and automotive brands alike.

A Story of Vision and Passion

When we launched the first edition, many doubted whether a motorsport event could thrive in Knysna. But we believed in the potential of something different—something world-class. Through bold vision, careful planning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we’ve transformed the Simola Hillclimb into a landmark event on the international motorsport calendar.

Each year, we push boundaries: drawing inspiration from the world’s best events, listening to our community, and refining every aspect of the experience.

15 Years of Evolution

In 2025, we marked our 15th edition—a milestone that brought both celebration and reflection. We experienced deep sadness with the tragic loss of one of our competitors, reminding us of the bravery and passion that motorsport demands. At the same time, we saw the Hillclimb continue to grow in reach, scale, and impact. A record 20,244 people attended over three days. Tickets sold out earlier than ever. On the track, new records were set.

We also unveiled a new logo, a modern evolution of the 2011 design—which itself paid tribute to the Bugatti-inspired mark from our first two events. These visual milestones tell the story of how far we’ve come while staying rooted in our legacy.

What Makes Simola Special

• A world-class track where top local and international drivers compete head-to-head
• A dynamic mix of road and race cars, from classic icons to cutting-edge machines
• A lifestyle experience that blends motorsport, luxury, and community
• A platform for OEMs to showcase innovation and performance
• A growing global audience, thanks to extensive TV, live stream, and digital coverage

Legends like Petter Solberg, Johan Kristoffersson, and Mika Salo have praised the Hillclimb—and returned to be part of it. Their enthusiasm is shared by a growing number of brands and drivers who now see Simola as a highlight of the motorsport calendar.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The 2026 Simola Hillclimb will be our sixteenth—and promises to be bigger, faster, and more exciting than ever. We’re anticipating record attendance, intense competition, and another chapter in a story that keeps getting better.

From the roar of engines to the cheers of fans, the Simola Hillclimb is more than a race. It’s a celebration of what motorsport means in South Africa and beyond.

Fast Fact: The number on the car in our logo changes each year to reflect the event edition—a small detail that tells a much bigger story.