The 2026 Simola Hillclimb, held in Knysna from 1–3 May, once again proved to be a premier highlight of the South African motorsport calendar. The event, which continues to grow in stature and organisation annually, was a resounding success for Motul, with its partners and customers featuring prominently on leaderboards and podiums across multiple classes.
Performance Under Pressure: The 300V Advantage
A defining factor of the weekend’s results was the Motul 300V product range, which represents the 173-year-old company’s flagship line of 100% synthetic racing lubricants. Acting as the ‘golden thread’ woven throughout the various classes, 300V served as the lubricant of choice for many of the top-performing teams.
In a weekend characterised by high temperatures and punishing technical challenges, Motul 300V delivered the necessary thermal stability and engine protection required for hillclimb racing, ensuring that peak performance was maintained from the start line to the summit.
Trusted by the Best: Competitor Success Stories
Motul’s presence was felt throughout the field, with high-profile successes across every major category:
- King of the Hill: Graeme Nathan of VW Motorsport secured a defining class win in his VW Polo GTi.
- King of the Hill: Franco Scribante powered his Nissan Skyline GTR to a well-deserved podium finish in his class.
- King of the Hill Class Lockout: Motul-backed entries dominated the podium in a complete class lockout, featuring:
- Janus Janse van Rensburg in the factory-entered Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
- Philip Botha in a Redlined Revo T1+ Dakar-spec bakkie.
- Terence Marsh (Team Owner) in a second Redlined Revo T1+ Dakar-spec bakkie.
- King of the Hill: Boeta Crouse, JLR Service Manager at Lazarus Motor Company , a Motul partner, secured a podium spot in the B04 Class with his rapid Noble M400.
- Classic Conqueror: Reghard Roets of BB Motorsports won his class in the fan-favourite Nissan Skyline R34 GTR. Despite the car being a 2002 model, Roets clocked a remarkable time of 45.290 in the iconic Nissan.
- Modified Saloon Shootout: Wade Van Zummeran from Border Towing in Port Elizabeth, put in a great performance and just missed the podium coming in 4th overall for this category in his Nissan GTR R35.
- Classic Cars: Andre Bezuidenhout and Team Perfect Circle continued their legacy of performance at Simola with a podium finish in the Classic Cars category in the Lola T460, while his son Jandre won his class on Classic Friday in the Porsche 944 Turbo Classic Cup.
The Spirit of Excellence
While speed was the primary objective, the Motul-backed BB Motorsports team was honoured with the prestigious “Spirit of Dave Charlton Award”. This award recognises a team’s meticulous attention to detail, persistence in preparation, and exceptional sportsmanship.
Taki (Hippocrates) Bogiages, Head of Sales for Motul SA, commented: “For Motul, these qualities embody our core values. By supporting a wide partner network, Motul ensures that the same world-class technology used by factory teams is available to every customer looking to push their vehicle to the limit.”
For fans looking to relive the high-octane action and catch exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of the Simola Hillclimb and other Motul-backed events, follow Motul South Africa on Facebook and Instagram.
A complete breakdown of the official 2026 Simola Hillclimb results can be found at: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/results/2026-results/2026-king-of-the-hill/ . To explore the full range of Motul’s premium motoring lubricants, including the legendary 300V line, visit the official Motul South Africa website at https://www.motul.com/en-ZA.
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ABOUT MOTUL
Motul is a world-class French company with over 170 years of experience in the specialised formulation, production and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants (for two-wheelers, cars and other vehicles), as well as lubricants for industry via its Motul Tech division.
Since its inception in 1853, Motul has been recognised for the quality of its products, commitment to innovation and involvement in competition, and is also acknowledged as a specialist in synthetic lubricants. In 1971, Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant, derived from the aeronautical industry and making use of esters technology: 300V lubricant.
Motul partners with many manufacturers and racing teams in order to further their technological product development through experience gained in motorsports. It has served as an official supplier for teams competing in iconic Road racing, Trials, Enduro, Endurance, Superbike, Supercross, Rallycross and World GT1 events, including 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), 24 Hours of Spa, Le Mans Series, Andros Trophy, the Dakar Rally and the Roof of Africa.
Issued on behalf of Motul by Listen Up: Adilia Joubert │ Tel: +27 (0)72 398 2525 │Email: adilia@listenup.co.za
