The 2025 Simola Hillclimb motorsport event has taken a tragic turn, with the passing of seasoned competitor Pieter Joubert during an accident on Sunday morning. Joubert was performing his first qualifying run of the day when his yellow Mercedes-AMG V8-powered Lotus Exige veered off the course and crashed into trees. Witnesses said it appeared as if a component of his car broke. On-site emergency crews attended to the scene immediately, but sadly Joubert was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Organisers later announced that the Hillclimb King of the Hill event would resume at 1pm on Sunday, at the request of Joubert’s family, who insisted that the show must go on in his honour. “We are exceptionally saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and condolences are with Pieter’s family, team and friends,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of Knysna Speed Festival. “Pieter’s brothers Dawie and Charl, who have also been competing, have expressed their wishes that we continue with the event.”
Joubert was a seasoned competitor in the Simola Hillclimb event and in Saturday’s third qualifying session he was fastest in class B7, and 13th quickest overall in his #30 Lotus sports car. The Simola Hillclimb event is currently in its 15th year; this is the first time that a competitor has passed away while competing in the competition.
What was meant to be one of the most exciting events of the year on the South African motorsport calendar has ended in heartbreak as racing driver Pieter Joubert died at the 15th Simola Hillclimb in Knysna on Sunday morning. "Knysna Speed Festival, the organisers of the Simola Hillclimb, have confirmed seasoned competitor Pieter Joubert sadly passed away in an accident today," the organisers said.
"Joubert was out on his first run on day two of King of the Hill when he lost control of his Lotus on the fast uphill straight and veered off the course after it appeared that something broke on the car. The scene was immediately attended to by the event's on-site medical, fire and emergency crews, but sadly, Joubert was pronounced deceased on the scene. Authorities are following all of the required protocols for an incident of this nature."
His family, in attendance at the event, are being supported by the organisers. Pieter was driving the #30 2006 Lotus Exige with a 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 Mercedes-AMG engine under the bonnet. While some racing drivers and spectators have packed up early after the tragic incident, the event will continue later on Sunday afternoon at the request of the Joubert family.
Pieter, along with his two brothers, Dawie and Charl Joubert, has been a regular competitor at the annual motorsport event, which sees thousands of South Africans make their way to the picturesque town of Knysna for the three-day event. This is the first fatal accident during the event's 15-year history.
According to the event spokesperson, the Joubert family expressed their wishes that the event continues in honour of Pieter. Some of the competitors have elected to withdraw, and all the demo runs have been cancelled. A shortened programme is likely to resume on Sunday afternoon.
"We are exceptionally saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and condolences are with Pieter's family, team and friends," says Ian Shrosbree, MD of Knysna Speed Festival. "Pieter's brothers Dawie and Charl, who have also been competing, have expressed their wishes for us to continue with the event."
The Simola Hillclimb is not just a race; it is a celebration of speed and engineering nestled in the stunning backdrop of Knysna. Each year, it draws motorsport enthusiasts from across the country, eager to witness the thrilling performances of competitors as they tackle the challenging hill climb. This year, however, the atmosphere is tinged with sorrow as the community mourns the loss of one of its own.
In the wake of this tragedy, the racing community has rallied to support the Joubert family. Many competitors have shared their condolences, emphasizing the camaraderie that exists within the motorsport world. The loss of Pieter Joubert has left a significant mark on the event, which has always celebrated the spirit of competition and the thrill of racing.
As the sun sets over Knysna, the sound of engines will roar back to life, albeit with a heavy heart. The decision to continue the event in Pieter's memory reflects the resilience of the racing community and its commitment to honouring those who have contributed to its legacy.
In a sport where speed and precision are paramount, incidents like this remind us of the inherent risks that come with motorsport. While safety measures have advanced significantly over the years, the tragedy of losing a competitor is a stark reminder of the dangers that drivers face.
As the day unfolds, the Simola Hillclimb will continue, with competitors racing up the hill, pushing the limits of their machines and their own skills. The spirit of competition remains alive, and as they navigate the course, they do so with the memory of Pieter Joubert in their hearts.
The 15th Simola Hillclimb will be remembered not just for its thrilling races, but also for the profound loss that has impacted everyone involved. The racing community stands united in grief, but also in celebration of a life dedicated to the sport.
As the event progresses, spectators will undoubtedly feel the weight of the day’s events. However, in the world of motorsport, the show must go on, and the legacy of Pieter Joubert will continue to inspire future generations of racers.
With the sun shining down on Knysna, the stage is set for a poignant continuation of the Simola Hillclimb, a testament to the resilience of those who share a passion for speed and the thrill of competition. The memory of Pieter Joubert will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him and those who witnessed his passion for racing.
