New Hillclimb event gets green light for Cape Town in October 2025
Philip Kgosana Drive will provide a unique and technically demanding challenge for drivers.
Speed Classic Cape Town is scheduled for 25 and 26 October.
The South African motorsport scene has witnessed the resurgence of Hillclimb events in recent years, with the likes of the Simola Hillclimb becoming one of the country's premier motorsport events.
The new event marks the return of competitive Hillclimb racing to the mother city, a tradition that entertained crowds as early as 1912 when competitors raced along Camps Bay Drive, Signal Hill Road and Kloof Road.
Organisers say that Speed Classic Cape Town will blend high-performance motoring with curated lifestyle experiences in an open, electric atmosphere that invites all Capetonians to feel the thrill. The last Cape Town-based hillclimb reportedly took place in 1962.
'We're not just creating another motorsport event, we're building a celebration of legacy, innovation, and craftsmanship. We want every Capetonian to be part of it,' says co-founder Garth Mackintosh.
Organisers believe that Philip Kgosana Drive at the base of Table Mountain is an ideal venue.
'From both an event and motorsport perspective, the race route at the foot of Table Mountain provides a unique and technically demanding challenge for drivers, while promising iconic visual impact thanks to the spectacular surroundings. This section of road embodies the spirit of South African motorsport innovation and excitement.'
'The race route offers a true driver's challenge, making for iconic imagery. We also enjoy the support of the City of Cape Town, which is a vital component in making the event possible. I would call it the choice of champions,' says Enzo Kuun, Director: Motorsport – Speed Classic Cape Town.
Classic Car Saturday will celebrate vintage engineering and timeless design. Meanwhile, the King of the Mountain event, scheduled for Sunday, will see modern-day cars, many of which are built specifically for this motorsport format. They will battle it out for glory over 2.1km of twisting tarmac and 150 metres of elevation gain.
Motorsport South Africa has confirmed that the event has their backing and is subject to full regulatory compliance and safety assessments as per their standard sanctioning protocols.
The event will implement a comprehensive safety infrastructure based on internationally recognised standards. This includes the installation of temporary FIA-compliant concrete barriers and debris fencing where necessary, as well as speed management through two chicanes installed at strategic points to reduce vehicle speed.
'It is worth noting that this barrier and fencing configuration was successfully deployed during the Cape Town Formula E E-Prix in 2023, which further reinforces its effectiveness and local operational viability,' added Steve Harding, Motorsport South Africa, Clerk of Course.
Competitor entry into Speed Classic Cape Town is by application and invitation only, and the organisers anticipate a full grid. The Hillclimb primarily focuses on time attack and exhibition-based vehicles, targeting a separate audience and vehicle category compared to regular motorsport formulas such as those that form part of the Extreme Festival National Circuit racing series.
Drivers wishing to participate in the event have until 15 August to apply here. Successful applicants will be notified by 22 August.
Entry fees for Classic Car Saturday (25 October) are R10 000 (all classes) and R15 000 for manufacturer entries, while the King of the Mountain Shootout entries are R15 000 (all classes and manufacturer entries) for 26 October.
Motorsport enthusiasts can purchase general access, grandstand or hospitality tickets via Web tickets from 1 August 2025.
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