South Africa’s premier motorsport event, the Simola Hillclimb is returning for its 15th year next week in Knysna from 1 to 4 May 2025. MasterDrive will resume its comprehensive participation in the upcoming event for their fifth year in a row. The team highly anticipates what this year holds.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the team’s expanded presence at Simola aligns with the multifaceted role the organisations plays within mobility. “The multiple roles emphasise community engagement, youth upliftment and, of course, competitiveness.
“Our involvement in Simola Hillclimb 2025 reflects our commitment to driving excellence while also prioritising our core values of safety and driver development. This is reflected in different team members assuming varied roles as both drivers of the safety vehicles and competing in the King of the Hill simultaneously.”
MasterDrive is also proud to announce their new partnership with the Rose Foundation in the Simola Hillclimb. “The Foundation does fantastic work in reducing the impact of used oil on the environment and we are thrilled to partner with them on the Simola Hillclimb.
“It is an illustration of MasterDrive’s own commitment to reduce their impact even as a player in an industry that can have a significant effect on the environment. This partnership is an example of how all organisations and industries can do their part to reduce their impact on the environment,” says Herbert.
MasterDrive’s participation in Simola 2025
As mentioned, MasterDrive will again fulfil the crucial Safety Car provision. “Should something unexpected occur during one of the three days of ascending the hill, we will be there to ensure that this is delt with safely for all involved. This illustrates the importance MasterDrive places on vehicle control and safety management in high-performance environments.
Simola 2024 VIP and safety cars
“Driving up the hill prepared exclusively for the race is not something limited to racers only. MasterDrive is providing VIP rides to pre-selected guests, giving the lucky passengers a rare opportunity to experience the Hillclimb in a performance vehicle with professional drivers at the wheel, for themselves,” says Herbert.
Herbert will compete in the main event of the weekend, the prestigious King of the Hill. “In a supercharged Mustang the almost 2km uphill climb will again be an exhilarating opportunity to merge driving skill and vehicle performance.”
Eugene Herbert participating in King of the Hill
MasterDrive CEO, Eugene Herbert, participating in King of the Hill
One of the ways that MasterDrive is the proudest to participate is with the MasterDrive Driver Search. “This empowerment initiative provides opportunities for promising young drivers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the Simola Hillclimb
“It is the chance to get a foot in the door of motorsport for racing talent who may otherwise never have had the chance. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to showcase emerging talent who may not ever be exposed to motorsport at this level on such a prominent platform,” says Herbert.
Shuaib Dhansay
MasterDrive Driver Search Ambassador and winner from 2024, Shuaib Dhansay
The 2025 Simola Hillclimb is just a week away and the team looks forward to another successful event.