Latest news with #ClassicCarSaturday
Time Out
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out
A historic comeback: Speed Classic Cape Town returns after 60 years
Motorsport is coming back to the heart of Cape Town this October as the Speed Classic Cape Town takes place on Philip Kgosana Drive. This two-day invitational event celebrates speed, heritage, and craftsmanship. The event, backed by Motorsport South Africa and the City of Cape Town, marks the revival of competitive hillclimb racing in Cape Town – a tradition that began in 1912, with races held on Camps Bay Drive, Signal Hill Road, and Kloof Road. The last known hillclimb on Camps Bay Drive was in 1962. Co-founder Garth Mackintosh explains, "We're not just creating another motorsport event. We're building a celebration of legacy, innovation, and craftsmanship." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Speed Classic Cape Town (@ The event includes two competitions: Classic Car Saturday (25 October): Highlighting vintage cars and classic engineering. King of the Mountain (26 October): Modern performance cars competing over 2.1km of winding road with a 150-meter climb. Attendees can also expect demonstration runs, local food vendors, hospitality lounges, and a range of activities. Event details: Dates: 25 and 26 October 2025 Location: Philip Kgosana Drive, Gardens Good to know: Applications for drivers close on 15 August, with tickets available for purchase from 1 August. Motorsport's Moment in South Africa The return of the Speed Classic isn't just a nostalgic revival, but part of an accelerated focus on local motorsport events to feature on the international racing calendar. Cape Town has already hosted the inaugural Cape Town E‑Prix in 2023 with a high-speed street circuit weaving through the city's Atlantic Seaboard suburbs of Green Point, Granger Bay, and Mouille Point. Most notably, South Africa is in the midst of a high-stakes bid to bring Formula 1 back home for the first time in over three decades. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture has tabled its ambitious proposal for a Cape Town street circuit that would run through the inner city and the V&A Waterfront. Meanwhile, Kyalami, the historic circuit near Johannesburg, has received FIA approval for a Grade 1 upgrade - further clearing the path for an F1 comeback. Critics argue that hosting F1 in South Africa is a costly luxury in a country facing pressing socio-economic challenges, with concerns around funding transparency and public benefit. However, Minister Gayton McKenzie stated South Africa "can't afford to host Formula 1." He drew a parallel to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which showcased the country's ability to successfully host a major global event and left a lasting economic and reputational legacy. He urged critics to consider the fierce competition among nations to remain on the F1 calendar - proof, he said, of the sport's undeniable value. 'It can't be called a world championship if it overlooks an entire continent - especially sub-Saharan Africa,' McKenzie added.
The South African
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
New Cape Town hillclimb aims to dethrone famous Simola race
It's official – Cape Town is getting its own premier hillclimb event. On 25 and 26 October 2025, vintage and modern race cars will roar up Philip Kgosana Drive in a battle for the inaugural 'King of the Mountain' crown. Dubbed the Speed Classic Cape Town, the event is being hailed as a raw test of both driver skill and machine performance. The 2.1km course – 200 metres longer than the famed Simola Hillclimb in Knysna – features a more technical layout that promises to push competitors to the limit. Participation in the Speed Classic Cape Town won't be open to everyone. Entry is by invitation only (from selected applicants), with a curated grid of just 80 cars to ensure elite competition. Entrants are selected by a committee, and applications are now open until 15 August. Drivers will be notified of the outcome of their application between 22 and 24 August. Philip Kgosana Drive (the former De Waal Drive) will serve as the 'track' for the hillclimb time trial. The Speed Classic Cape Town hillclimb route. Image: Google Maps The 2.1km course, will use the contour road that runs from Walmer Estate to the bottom of Vredehoek on the edge of the city. Each car will launch every 30 seconds, as drivers vie for class honours and a place in the final King of the Mountain Shootout – a no-holds-barred dash to determine the event's fastest car-and-driver pairing. Classic Car Saturday (25 October) will showcase vintage machinery in all its glory. King of the Mountain Sunday (26 October) will feature cutting-edge performance cars and manufacturer-backed entries. Speed Classic Cape Town entry fees and perks Classic Car Saturday: From R10 000Manufacturer entries: From R15 000 Shootout participation: Flat fee of R15 000 (applies to all finalists)
TimesLIVE
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Speed Classic Cape Town hillclimb to thrill the Mother City in October
Entry applications for the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town are open. After months of rumour sand hearsay, organisers have confirmed the new hillclimb event will take place in the Mother City on October 25 and 26. Described as a "'pure test of driver skill and machine performance", the course will challenge competitors with a winding 2.1km climb up Philip Kgosana Drive at the foot of Table Mountain, 200m longer than the Simola Hillclimb and arguably more technical. Entry is by application only with a committee selecting a limited grid of 80 entrants to ensure the highest level of competition. With cars launching every 30 seconds, competitors will battle for class honours and the coveted King of the Mountain Shootout, reserved for the fastest car-and-driver pairing from each major class. The winner of the all-or-nothing finale will be crowned the inaugural King of the Mountain. October 25, Classic Car Saturday, is dedicated to vintage machinery, and October 26, King of the Mountain Sunday, is set aside for more contemporary race equipment.
