Summarize

World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson took his electric Volkswagen Motorsport rallycross Polo RX1e to an exceptional podium third en route to Class B8 victory at a competitive Simola Hillclimb on Sunday. SATC SupaCup champion Jonathan Mogotsi ended up eighth overall as he won the B2 class ahead of teammate Daniel Rowe in a pair of Volkswagen Motorsport SuperPolos. The weekend however ended under a cloud after a tragic accident claimed the life of driver Pieter Joubert on Sunday Morning.

“This is a very sad day for South African motorsport and the Simola Hillclimb,” Volkswagen South Africa Chairperson and Managing Director Martina Beine said. “On behalf of all at Volkswagen, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Joubert family and the motorsport community. The Joubert family insisted that the event went on. We raced on, in honour of Pieter and the Joubert family.”

Johan Kristoffersson was among the stars of the show as he manhandled the 500 kW all-electric, all-wheel drive Volkswagen Polo RX1e mostly sideways up the hill to storm into the top ten shootout. There he came within a thousandth of a second of breaking the 39 second barrier to claim third overall in the Modified Saloon Car class and the Class B8 victory at a most impressive 175.88 km/h. 

“The Simola Hillclimb was an awesome event with so many passionate fans and some really tough competition,” Kristoffersson explained. “The track is also a challenge being so bumpy with a really tricky couple of turns included on the ascent, so we are delighted to have come so close to some of the specialised hillclimb machinery today. Thanks to Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa for an awesome weekend!”

Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe eked the best out of their Volkswagen Motorsport SupaPolos as they topped Class B2 with giant-killing performances in the runs as Mogotsi squeezed into the overall top ten shootout. Jonathan then raced home a fine eighth overall. “That was a great weekend of racing,” Mogotsi reflected. “Thanks to the team for a great effort to get through to the shootout. Now it’s back to our day jobs as we look forward to the SATC SupaCup action at Aldo Scribante’s National races this weekend.”

“The Simola Hillclimb was once again a highlight for Volkswagen Motorsport, Mike Rowe concluded. “Johan Kristofferson was the star of the show in the electric Polo, while Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe once again proved just how effective and versatile a race car our SupaPolo can be. Well done to the entire Volkswagen Motorsport team on a great effort on an albeit sad weekend. Now we look forward to normal business at our home Nationals at Aldo Scribante this weekend. Bring it on!”