DRIVER DIES TRAGICALLY AT SIMOLA HILL CLIMB
The 2025
Simola Hillclimb event has been shrouded in tragedy with the passing of one of
the drivers.
Pieter
Joubert died after an accident on Sunday morning.
The seasoned
driver was performing his first qualifying run of the day when his car veered
off the course. It crashed into trees.
Emergency
services attended to the scene immediately, but Joubert was declared dead on
the scene.
With the
show temporarily suspended to give emergency services and the police enough,
organisers later made a surprise announcement to continue with the Hillclimb
King of the Hill event at 13:00.
“We’re
exceptionally saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and condolences are
with Pieter’s family, team and friends,” said Ian Shrosbee, the MD of the
Knysna Speed Festival.
According
to the organisers, Joubert’s family requested that the show must continue in
his honour.
“Pieter’s
brothers Dawie and Charl, who have also been competing, have expressed their
wishes that we continue with the event.”
In Sunday’s
qualifying session, Joubert was the fastest in class B7, and 13th
quickest overall in his #30 Lotus.
In the
event’s 15-year history, this is the first time that a competitor has passed
away while competing.
Image
credit: Facebook