For many motorsport enthusiasts, competing at the Simola Hillclimb is the ultimate dream. For Johan Bekker, that dream became reality in 2025, and by the time he returned for the 2026 edition, he was determined to make the most of every moment on one of the world’s fastest and most demanding hillclimb courses.
Bekker, who comes from a strong off-road racing and 4×4 background, has spent years challenging himself behind the wheel. While his motorsport roots may be far removed from the tarmac-focused world of hillclimbing, his passion for driving and continuous improvement has remained constant throughout his racing journey.
“My first Simola was in 2025,” he recalls. “Simola has always been a dream for me, so I was incredibly grateful to get the opportunity to compete. This year I felt more comfortable and had a better understanding of both the car and the hill, which allowed me to enjoy the experience even more.”
Driving the striking King Price Ariel Atom in the highly competitive C6 Sportscar class, Bekker arrived at Simola with a small but dedicated team behind him. While they may not have had the resources of some of the larger operations in the paddock, what they lacked in numbers they made up for in teamwork and commitment.
“We have a small team, but everyone knows their role and we work well together,” says Bekker. “That makes a big difference during a busy race weekend.”
For Bekker, simply competing at Simola remains a privilege. The event has earned legendary status within South African motorsport, attracting world-class competitors, cutting-edge machinery and thousands of passionate spectators every year.
“Simola has always been one of those events that every motorsport enthusiast dreams about,” he says. “Being able to compete there is a privilege and something I never take for granted. It’s a dream come true for me.”
The atmosphere throughout the weekend only reinforced that feeling.
“The atmosphere was absolutely lekker,” he laughs. “There were great people all around us and a real passion for motorsport wherever you looked. It felt like one big motorsport family.”
That sense of community became particularly evident during one of the team’s most challenging moments of the weekend. When mechanical issues struck the Ariel Atom, assistance came from an unexpected source.
“The teamwork, support, organisation and overall quality of the event stood out for me,” Bekker explains. “When we had a problem with the car, teams from different classes came over and offered assistance. That spirit of helping each other is what makes motorsport so special.”
Of course, the Simola Hillclimb itself remains the main attraction. The 1.9-kilometre stretch of road that climbs through Knysna’s Simola Estate has earned a reputation as one of the fastest hillclimb courses on the planet, demanding total commitment from every driver brave enough to tackle it.
“The fact that you’re driving up one of the fastest hillclimbs in the world makes it incredibly special,” Bekker says. “The speeds are high, the challenge is real and every run is an opportunity to improve yourself.”
For him, one section of the course demands more commitment than any other. “The bridge section, definitely. You have to trust yourself, trust the car and commit. There isn’t time for second-guessing.” While the physical demands of the event are manageable, Bekker believes the mental challenge is where Simola truly tests drivers.
“Mentally it’s very demanding. You’re constantly trying to improve your times, stay focused and remain consistent. Physically it’s manageable, but mentally you need to stay sharp throughout the entire weekend.”
That focus became even more critical when one of the most dramatic moments of his weekend unfolded during qualifying. “Definitely my second-last qualifying run,” he recalls. “The car suddenly became unsettled and I nearly lost it, but managed to save it.” Only later did the team discover the reason behind the scare.
“Afterwards we discovered that a suspension arm had broken. Looking back now, it makes that moment even more memorable.” Mechanical setbacks are an unavoidable part of motorsport, and the broken suspension component became one of the team’s biggest challenges during the event. Fortunately, quick thinking, teamwork and support from fellow competitors helped keep their campaign alive.
Another key focus throughout the weekend was tyre management. Bekker quickly discovered just how sensitive the Ariel Atom could be to changing tyre temperatures.
“The biggest factor for me was tyre temperatures. I spent a lot of time focusing on getting the tyres into the right operating window. Too much heat and the car starts moving around, so it was all about finding the right balance.”
The lessons learned from managing tyre temperatures became one of the most valuable takeaways from the event. “I learned a lot about tyre management and how sensitive the Ariel Atom is to tyre temperatures. Getting that right can completely change the way the car feels and performs.”
Unlike many modern racing teams that rely heavily on engineering data and telemetry, Bekker’s approach remains refreshingly straightforward.
“We don’t rely heavily on data and engineering,” he explains. “For me it’s more about feeling what the car is doing, building confidence and improving with every run. Driver feel plays a much bigger role in my approach.”
That philosophy has served him well throughout his motorsport career and continues to shape his approach to the Simola challenge. Although he was pleased with his overall performance, Bekker admits that racers are never fully satisfied. “As drivers we always want to find more time and improve,” he says. “But I’m pleased with what we achieved and what we learned.”
One aspect of Simola that continues to impress him is the quality of competition throughout the field. “There were so many impressive cars and talented drivers throughout the field,” he says. “That’s one of the things that makes Simola special — the variety of machinery and the quality of the competitors.”
The event’s impact extends beyond the competitors themselves. Bekker believes Simola plays a vital role in growing motorsport culture across Southern Africa and inspiring the next generation of drivers.
“I think it’s fantastic for motorsport. It showcases the sport at a very high level and gives fans and aspiring drivers the opportunity to experience something truly special.”
The fans themselves remain a major part of the experience. Throughout the weekend, spectators regularly stopped by to admire the Ariel Atom and chat with Bekker about the unique machine.
“A lot of people came to chat about the Ariel Atom and ask questions about the car. It’s always great to share that passion with people who enjoy motorsport as much as you do.”
Looking ahead, Bekker plans to continue enjoying his motorsport journey while building on the lessons learned from Simola 2026.
“We’re always looking at ways to improve and learn more about the car. The focus is on getting the most out of the package and continuing to build experience.” And if the opportunity presents itself, there is no doubt he will be back on the famous Knysna hill.
“Absolutely. If I get the opportunity, I’ll definitely be back.”
For aspiring competitors hoping to tackle Simola one day, Bekker’s advice is simple.
“Take the opportunity if you can. Respect the hill, trust yourself, trust the car and enjoy every moment because it’s a truly incredible experience.”
Reflecting on his 2026 campaign, Bekker’s final words perfectly capture what the event means to him.
“A dream come true, driving an incredible Ariel Atom up one of the fastest hillclimbs in the world while sharing the experience with great people and an amazing motorsport community.”
For Johan Bekker, Simola is more than just a race. It is a celebration of motorsport, friendship, perseverance and the pursuit of personal excellence — and judging by his passion for the event, his Simola story is only just beginning.
