Simola Hillclimb readies for show-stopping line-up in Knysna
Seven-time WRX champion Johan Kristoffersson will drive an electric VW Polo at the competitive Simola Hillclimb against local stars like Franco Scribante and Reghard Roets.
The Modified Saloon Car category at the Simola Hillclimb has always delivered a high-stakes showdown, and the 15th edition – running from the May 1-4 – looks to be one of the most competitive yet!
A standout entry this year comes courtesy of Volkswagen Group Africa, which has secured seven-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson to pilot the all-electric Volkswagen Polo RX1e. Kristoffersson is no stranger to success, having claimed back-to-back WRX titles with the RX1e in 2022 and 2023. He will be the sole entrant in Class B8 for electric and alternative energy vehicles, but his 500kW Polo is quick – capable of hitting 100km/h in just 1.8s. That instant torque could prove critical on Simola’s short, twisty 1.9 km hill. While top speed might be a disadvantage compared to some petrol-powered rivals, Kristoffersson’s experience and the car’s agility may help close the gap.
Related: 500 kW VW Polo RX1e To Bring ‘Serious’ Electric Power to Simola Hillclimb
While most other competitors may not have international silverware around their neck, there is still some stiff competition from seasoned local racing drivers. Chief among the challengers is five-time Modified Saloon Car winner Franco Scribante, returning with ‘The Sheriff’ – a heavily modified Nissan GT-R pushing over 1 175kW. Scribante has the outright class record (38.129s) but suffered a mechanical failure in 2024. He’ll be eager to put that right this time around.
Reghard Roets is another major threat. Driving ‘Armageddon’, another Nissan GT-R but with a more restrained aero setup, Roets has won three King of the Hill titles in other classes and is targeting his first in Modified Saloons. A mechanical issue knocked him out of the running last year, but he too is back for more.
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Other names to watch include defending champion Dawie Joubert in his Lotus Exige powered by a Ferrari V8, Pieter Zeelie in a Toyota MR2 Super GT, and Charl Joubert in a V6-powered Lotus Elise. The Czank Racing team also returns with two Nissan GT-R-powered Exiges, while Wade and Jody van Zummeren bring a pair of wild GT-Rs to the four-wheel-drive B5 class.
The grid is stacked with variety. From Audi S4s and RS3s to GT3-spec BMWs and AMGs, Porsches, Polos, and even a Subaru-engined VW Beetle. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, production cars and classics will also be strutting their stuff and going up against the clock.
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