The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb was characterised by difficult emotions mixed with brave competition at the highest level during the King of the Hill challenge.
Sunday’s shortened programme was dedicated to Pieter Joubert who sadly passed away following an accident during the day’s opening run.
While Pieter’s brothers and fellow competitors, Charl and 2024 winner Dawie, withdrew from the event, they insisted that it should continue in his honour.
Ultimately, two new King of the Hill winners were crowned, while a former winner blasted his way back to the top with an exceptional performance that set an impressive new record.
In the Modified Saloon Car category, 2021 winner Pieter Zeelie (photo) not only defeated the mighty four-wheel drive Nissan R35 GT-Rs of Reghard Roets (BB Motorsport) and Franco Scribante in his immaculately prepared rear-wheel drive Toyota MR2 Super GT, but he slashed an astonishing 1.039 seconds off Franco Scribante’s previous record of 38.129 seconds from 2022 during the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout with a truly impressive winning time of 37.090 seconds.
While Reghard finished second overall with a time of 38.370 seconds in the BB Motorsport GT-R, this year’s event was truly electrified by Volkswagen bringing seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson to take on the Simola Hill. The Swedish ace blitzed the electric vehicle record with his fastest time of 39.001 seconds during the thrilling final run in the Volkswagen Polo RX1e that he drove to the WRX championship victories in 2022 and 2023.
Byron Mitchell claimed top spot on the podium in Single Seater and Sports Car King of the Hill, along with class C2 title in Reynard Formula VW, achieving best time of 41.696 seconds.
Clint Weston secured first King of the Hill title in Road Car and Supercar category in hybrid-powered Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE E Performance on 43.174 seconds and Anton Cronje received the Spirit of Dave Charlton Award.
Geely Auto South Africa is preparing to take its rightful place in the local automotive market, with 33 dealerships already operating within a month after the Chinese auto giant’s return to the country.
Zweli Sibiya, Dealer Principal of Hyundai Benoni, is a man who rose from humble beginnings to lead one of the top-performing dealerships.
The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) was held as an elective meeting, allowing members to vote for representatives to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Regional Committees. This process ensures that NAACAM’s leadership continues to reflect the expertise, experience and regional diversity of its membership.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) was held as an elective meeting, allowing members to vote for representatives to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Regional Committees. This process ensures that NAACAM’s leadership continues to reflect the expertise, experience and regional diversity of its membership.
Nissan Motor Co, Ltd and Wayve have announced definitive agreements to collaborate on integrating next-generation ProPILOT technology with Wayve's artificial intelligence software across a broad range of Nissan vehicles.
The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the long-awaited semi-finalists for the 40th edition of the prestigious 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, held annually since 1986.
