Volkswagen bringing ‘something special’ to the 2026 Simola Hillclimb

Volkswagen Group Africa is no stranger to the annual Simola Hillclimb.

Besides being a Tier 2 sponsor of the event since 2022, it has also been instrumental in bringing some seriously hot metal to the King of the Hill start line, including two championship-winning World Rallycross (WRX) cars driven by the likes of Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson.

This year promises to be no different, with Volkswagen Driving Experience boss Mike Rowe hinting that Volkswagen fans have a lot to look forward to when the 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb kicks off on April 30.

“This year we are building something special, designed and produced here in South Africa to take on King of the Hill,” says Rowe. “To continue with the ‘local is lekker’ theme, the car will be driven by Jonathan Mogotsi, and the event takes place just ahead of his opportunity to race at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hour.”

With less than a month to go, anticipation is building for the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which once again kicks off with the crowd-favourite Classic Car Friday. Set against the sweeping curves of Simola Hill in Knysna, the opening day delivers a unique blend of heritage and competition, with 65 cars entered for 2026. The line-up spans more than seven decades of motoring history, from a 1926 Austin 7 to a 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA — all driven in anger rather than simply displayed. Spectators will get their first close-up look at the machinery during scrutineering in Hedge Street on Thursda, April 30, before the traditional parade along Waterfront Drive. The focus then shifts to outright performance on Friday May 1, when drivers tackle the 1.9km hillclimb in pursuit of class honours and the sought-after Classic Conqueror title. As in previous years, much of the spotlight will fall on Franco Scribante and Andre Bezuidenhout. Scribante returns in his Chevron B19 as a seven-time winner chasing another victory, while Bezuidenhout lines up in his Lola T460 Formula Atlantic car after narrowly missing out in last year’s Top 10 Shootout. They won’t have it all their own way in the open-wheel H9 class. Former winner Ian Schofield brings his March 77B back into contention, while Josh Dovey’s Chevron B20 and a trio of Formula Fords — driven by Robert Wolk, Simphiwe Mohlahlo and Rick Morris — add further depth to the field. There’s also an interesting storyline in this class, with Margie White stepping up from her Austin 7 Special to a far quicker Mallock Lotus Mk6B. After competing on Friday, she will return as part of the marshal team for the rest of the weekend — a reminder of the event’s community-driven nature. Tin-top fans will be drawn to class H8, where several high-profile entries headline the saloon car contingent. Reghard Roets debuts a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, while Arnold du Plessis brings an R33 GT-R, with Craig Czank adding a third GT-R — an R32 — to the mix. Aldo Scribante also joins the class in an Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, further boosting what is already one of the most eye-catching categories. In class H7, Eugene Herbert’s Fiat Uno Turbo goes up against Sergio Nobrega’s VW Fox and John Craig in a Nissan Sentra 200 STi, while Andre Steenkamp’s unusual Toyota RAV4 GT4 Turbo adds a wildcard element to the four-cylinder battle. The H6 category for pre-1975 six-cylinder and V8 saloons features several crowd favourites, including Rui Campos in a Porsche 911 RSR. He will be challenged by Alistair Simpson’s Ford Capri Perana, Paige Lindenberg’s Ford Fairlane and James Temple in a Shelby Daytona, as well as Richard Evans in a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. In H5, Silvio Scribante makes his debut in a Ford Escort Mk1, taking on experienced competitors such as Trevor Tuck in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti and Ashley Baud in an Alfa GTV, alongside a strong field of classic four-cylinder racers. The road-going classes are equally evocative, with Andrew Davey’s Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and Enzo Kuun’s Ferrari 348 among the highlights in H4, joined by a pair of AC Cobras. In H3, last year’s winner Jandre Bezuidenhout returns in his Porsche 944 Turbo Cup, facing competition from cars such as a Toyota Corolla two-door and Fiat 131 Abarth. Further back in time, the H2 class features a mix of rare and historic machinery, including Brian Bruce’s Jaguar D-Type recreation, Peter MacPherson’s Ford GT40 and Douglas Cameron-Short’s Lotus Europa S2, alongside a trio of classic Porsches from the Pickard family. At the oldest end of the field, the pre-World War II H1 class once again runs on a handicap system, with cars such as Greig Smith’s Austin 7 Single Seater and Rodney Green’s Riley 14/6 Racing competing on precision rather than outright speed. The 2026 Simola Hillclimb runs from April 30 to May 3, with Classic Car Friday setting the tone for a packed weekend of motorsport on the Garden Route.

In addition to this all-new contender, Volkswagen has entered its trusted SupaCup Polo “Chassis 01″ – the concept car that formed the foundation of the brand’s championship-winning SupaCup Polo in South Africa. The car is now also exported to Germany to compete in the domestic Polo Cup championship.

“Chassis 01 will be driven for the last time by Graeme Nathan, who was closely involved in building the concept car, so it is fitting that he gets to drive it in competition one final time,” says Rowe. Thereafter, this historically significant car will be preserved for special events but will no longer be used in competition.

The ninth edition of the Festival of Motoring will return to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from August 28 to 30, with organisers promising a larger experiential focus and expanded manufacturer participation. Powered by WesBank, the annual event has positioned itself as a platform where consumers can interact directly with new vehicles through track and off-road driving experiences. “As a naming rights partner returning to the Festival of Motoring, WesBank is meeting the customers where buying decisions are made, inside the car and on the track. Their return reflects the value of that moment where real people are connecting with real cars. Together we will raise the bar to offer more immersion and purpose-driven experiences,” said Michael Dehn, MD of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organisers of the event. “This year holds strong potential for the South African automotive market. Consumer confidence is steadily rebuilding, and the recovery is gaining real momentum. The Festival of Motoring clearly demonstrates that people are eager to reconnect with the industry, and I can’t think of a better platform to make that happen,” said Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank. Organisers say more than 20 automotive brands are expected to participate, with more than 10,000 complimentary track drives planned on the Kyalami circuit. Visitors will be able to test the latest models under supervision on the main circuit, as well as on a dedicated self-handling track featuring more than 40 vehicles. A 4x4 Village will provide off-road demonstrations from more than 10 SUV and bakkie brands on a purpose-built obstacle course. Volkswagen will mark its 75th anniversary at the event and will be joined by other brands, including Suzuki, GWM, BAIC, GAC and Shelby, with additional announcements expected. Track entertainment will include an official round of the Sunbet ZX10 Masters Cup superbike series, Formula One-style demonstration runs presented by Investchem, and the Vilaca Racing Speed Challenge time-attack competition featuring cars such as the Audi RS3, Toyota Supra MK5, and Porsche 911 GT3. The BMW M Performance Parts Race Series and a Simola Hillclimb Experience activation are also scheduled. Beyond the circuit, the event will feature car club displays, a retail area and lifestyle exhibitors including Castrol, the Grand Prix Store and Autostyle Motorsport. A new Adventure Zone will offer paid drifting and karting experiences. Hospitality options will include family-focused viewing areas and a premium suite reserved for guests aged 16 and older. “The ninth Festival of Motoring is a promise made to the South African public and the industry at large,” said Judy Maharaj, the Festival of Motoring’s show director. “We have meticulously designed every track drive, every display, and every performance to ensure that when a visitor walks through the gates of Kyalami, they aren’t just attending an event; they are entering a space where their passion is validated and their ‘motoring journey’ memories are stored. This is the one platform where the entire community gathers to create the stories that will define the next generation of our motoring legacy.” Tickets are now on sale.

Volkswagen has also entered two latest-generation Golf GTI 8.5 models in the standard production vehicle category. These will be driven by Rory Atkinson, the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup champion, and Matt Merton, who operates the Volkswagen Advanced Driving facility at Zwartkops Raceway.

Additionally, a pair of Golf R models will be used for VIP runs up Simola Hill on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Volkswagen merchandise will also be available for fans to purchase at the event.

South African Touring Cars SupaCup champion Jonathan Mogotsi will attempt to earn his Grade A “Ring Licence” at the Nürburgring, racing in the NLS1 and NLS2 four-hour events to qualify for the 24-hour race in May. Mogotsi, a Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa veteran, will join Max Kruse Racing, which fields three Golf 8 TCRs in both the qualifying events and the main 24-hour race. He has been allocated to car 2 of the team’s line-up. “I am absolutely delighted to confirm that we will be taking my next step in my incredible 10-year Volkswagen Motorsport journey when I qualify for, and race in the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour,” says Mogotsi. “Like the rest of this incredible trip, it’s a dream come true and I cannot thank Mike Rowe and the Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa team more. It’s one of our most exciting projects in years and we cannot wait to see it coming to life.” “We have realigned our plans this year, which left Jonathan with nowhere to race locally,” says head of Volkswagen Motorsport Mike Rowe. “So we took it to the next level. Jonathan will race the two NLS 4 Hours to qualify for the big race and then compete in the Nürburgring 24-Hour in May. It’s one of our most exciting projects in years and we cannot wait to see it coming to life.” Mogotsi has built a strong reputation in South African motorsport, remaining loyal to Volkswagen since winning the 2016 Volkswagen Driver Search. His journey began in sim racing, where he won several online titles and nearly qualified for an international GT3 competition, before transitioning to real-world racing. After excelling in the Driver Search, Mogotsi earned a 2017 Engen Volkswagen Polo Cup drive. He recorded his first victory at Aldo Scribante and finished ninth in the championship. In 2018 he took third in the Polo Cup, including a double win from pole in East London. In 2019 Mogotsi moved into the new turbo-era Polo Cup, then advanced to the SupaCup in 2020, finishing second in 2021 after winning his first SupaCup race at Aldo Scribante. He later earned a drive in Global Touring Cars, but the factory Volkswagens were destroyed in an accident, returning him to SupaCup competition. His 2023 SupaCup campaign resulted in two wins and multiple podiums, followed by a dominant 2024 season that saw him claim five race victories and the national title. In 2025, he added another five wins, finishing second in the championship. Alongside circuit racing, Mogotsi has excelled in hill climbing, recording multiple class wins in SupaPolos at events such as the Knysna Simola climb. In 2026 he is scheduled to race at Simola, Zwartkops Top of the Hill and the Cape Town Speed Festival, as well as guest drives in Germany’s new Polo Cup. TimesLIVE

The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from April 30 to May 3, 2026.

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