Seven-time World Rallycross Champion, Johan Kristoffersson, will join Volkswagen Motorsport to race the electric Rallycross Polo RX1e at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna – South Africa. The event, the 15th edition, will take place from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Among South Africa’s favourite motor racing weekends, Kristoffersson will be supported by local Volkswagen Motorsport heroes Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe in a pair of SupaPolos during the annual Knysna festival of speed.
Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard will also pilot a classic Volkswagen Golf Mk 1 GTi up the hill on Classic Friday.
“We are delighted that seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson will make his Simola Hillclimb debut driving Volkswagen’s electric Polo RX1e in the Modified Saloon Car class this weekend,” Head of Volkswagen Motorsport, Mike Rowe, confirmed.
“Johan will drive the same car with which he dominated the 2022 and 2023 World Rally Championship. The 500 kW all-electric, all-wheel drive Volkswagen Polo RX1e rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.8 seconds. It should prove a formidable force against the most competitive King of the Hill field this year,” he added.
Johan Kristoffersson will be backed by home heroes, Volkswagen drivers Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe driving a pair of quick and light SupaCups in the King of the Hill contest. Volkswagen also celebrates over 60 years of South African motorsport history, with team engineer Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard racing his fourth Simola Hillclimb aboard his Volkswagen Golf Mk 1 GTi on Classic Friday.
“Volkswagen Motorsport cannot wait for the Simola Hillclimb this weekend. Not only will we have one of the stars of the show in Kristoffersson and the 500 kW Volkswagen Polo backed by a strong local line-up, but we look forward to spoiling our fans with some great giveaways, cool offerings from the Volkswagen Motorsport merchandise shop and thrills on the climb as our Volkswagen factory cars and drivers chase King of the Hill glory,” Rowe concluded.
The Simola Hillclimb is a popular motorsport event held annually in Knysna, South Africa, at the Simola Hotel & Country Estate. It’s a 1.9 km track where road and race cars compete in a high-speed hillclimb, attracting both spectators and drivers.
The event is known for its intense competition, international recognition and vibrant atmosphere.
In 2023, the organisers formally introduced the ‘Fan-Fest’ to the event. It is an event-within-an-event, adding car and motoring-related exhibitions, music and entertainment to the offering.
The festival includes a Fan Fest in central Knysna, a Classic Car Friday and the main on-track action on Saturday and Sunday. The event culminates in the “King of the Hill” shootout, where the fastest cars compete for the title.
The event offers various viewing areas, including Pit Access and grandstand access. The Simola Hillclimb began in 2009 and has grown into a major motorsport event in South Africa.
International recognition
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) recognises the event, and the winner is invited to the FIA Hill Climb Masters in Europe.
Key attractions
The event delivers intense racing action, full of high-adrenaline action, with the cars reaching speeds of over 250 km/h. It is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for the whole family and friends, uniting together to cheer their favourites.
The event, which attracts international drivers and motorsport enthusiasts, has been touted as a huge promoter of tourism as it contributes to tourist visits in the greater Knysna area.
