The 16th iteration of the Simola Hillclimb will take place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026. This past year, the motorsport event drew a record 20 244 spectators and was voted ;Best Event Organiser’ in the Best of Knysna & Plett Reader’s Choice Awards for 2025. With its growing reputation, next year’s edition is expected to once again attract South Africa’s top drivers, along with international competitors, and showcase an even broader variety of vehicles.
The organisers emphasise the continuous evolution of the Simola Hillclimb, a key factor in its success. Next year, several changes will mark a new chapter. Notably, Leon Smith will take charge of the competition side of the event. He steps in for Geoff Goddard, who retired after overseeing 15 memorable editions.
For Classic Car Friday, the biggest update is the expansion of eligible manufacture dates by three to five years in several classes. This ensures an even greater variety of classic models on display. However, the event will remain strictly by invitation.
Another major change is the new allowance for racing saloon cars built from 1976 to 2005. These will be eligible in H7 (four-cylinder racing saloons) and H8 (six-cylinder and above). This adjustment is expected to attract legendary Group N production cars, which thrilled crowds during South Africa’s golden era of circuit racing.
Meanwhile, older racing saloons in H5 (four-cylinder) and H6 (rotary, six-cylinder and above) remain capped at 1975. On the other hand, H9 (open-wheel single-seaters), H10 (racing sportscars and GTs), and H2 (road-going cars with full interiors) have gained an additional five years of eligibility, now extending to 1990. Road-going cars in H3 (four-cylinder) and H4 (rotary, five-cylinder and above) also see their cap lifted from 1987 to 1990. In addition, the vintage, pre-war, H10 class has been revised to attract modified saloon racing cars of the period, with a handicap format ensuring a level playing field.
Simola Hillclimb Gears Up for 16th Edition in 2026
Posted September 20, 2025
By: Cale Nuttall
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb will feature a broader selection of vehicles for Classic Car Friday, regulation changes for the hillclimb, and improved safety measures.
The 16th iteration of the Simola Hillclimb will take place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026. This past year, the motorsport event drew a record 20 244 spectators and was voted ;Best Event Organiser’ in the Best of Knysna & Plett Reader’s Choice Awards for 2025. With its growing reputation, next year’s edition is expected to once again attract South Africa’s top drivers, along with international competitors, and showcase an even broader variety of vehicles.
The organisers emphasise the continuous evolution of the Simola Hillclimb, a key factor in its success. Next year, several changes will mark a new chapter. Notably, Leon Smith will take charge of the competition side of the event. He steps in for Geoff Goddard, who retired after overseeing 15 memorable editions.
For Classic Car Friday, the biggest update is the expansion of eligible manufacture dates by three to five years in several classes. This ensures an even greater variety of classic models on display. However, the event will remain strictly by invitation.
Another major change is the new allowance for racing saloon cars built from 1976 to 2005. These will be eligible in H7 (four-cylinder racing saloons) and H8 (six-cylinder and above). This adjustment is expected to attract legendary Group N production cars, which thrilled crowds during South Africa’s golden era of circuit racing.
Meanwhile, older racing saloons in H5 (four-cylinder) and H6 (rotary, six-cylinder and above) remain capped at 1975. On the other hand, H9 (open-wheel single-seaters), H10 (racing sportscars and GTs), and H2 (road-going cars with full interiors) have gained an additional five years of eligibility, now extending to 1990. Road-going cars in H3 (four-cylinder) and H4 (rotary, five-cylinder and above) also see their cap lifted from 1987 to 1990. In addition, the vintage, pre-war, H10 class has been revised to attract modified saloon racing cars of the period, with a handicap format ensuring a level playing field.
The King of the Hill competition, scheduled for 2–3 May 2026, also receives regulation updates. Cars with engine configurations of up to four cylinders are now permitted. This change reflects the rising popularity of three-cylinder engines in smaller performance cars. It applies across road-going saloon cars and supercars, modified saloon cars, single-seaters, sportscars, and sports prototypes.
Beyond the competition, organisers are also working with Motorsport South Africa to enhance safety. Next year’s event will feature upgraded tyre barriers, built to FIA specification, further raising the safety standards of the hillclimb.
Finally, invitation applications for the 2026 Simola Hillclimb will open on 1 October 2025 and close on 31 January 2026.
