At the 2026 Simola Hillclimb, few stories captured the spirit of passion, resilience, and evolution quite like that of Paige Lindenberg.
Representing the legendary Lindenberg Racing team — one of South Africa’s most respected privateer motorsport outfits — Paige returned to Knysna for her 12th Simola Hillclimb appearance. But this year’s event carried far more significance than just another run up the iconic hill.
For the first time ever, she arrived not only as a competitor, but also as a new mother to her seven-week-old son, Rafael. Adding another major milestone to the weekend, she also competed in an electric vehicle for the very first time — the Changan K50 REEV Hunter bakkie in the EV Class.
The result was a Simola experience she describes as unforgettable.
A Racing Legacy Built Over Generations
Paige’s motorsport journey began almost before she could walk.
“I got into a powerboat for the first time at age five and started racing powerboats at age seven,” she explains.
Today, after 27 years of competitive racing across both boats and cars, she remains one of the most recognizable and respected female figures in South African motorsport.
Her racing roots are deeply tied to Lindenberg Racing — a family-run powerhouse that will celebrate an incredible 50 years next year, making it the oldest privateer motorsport team in South Africa.
Why Simola Still Feels Special
Even after more than a decade of competing at Simola, Paige says the event continues to evolve and improve every year.
“Every year just gets better and better. It’s one of my favourite events of the year,” she says.
“From the organising to the spectators and fans, it just gets better and better.”
For Paige, the Simola Hillclimb has become more than just a motorsport event — it has become a family reunion of sorts.
“It’s such an honour to be a part of this event and to represent women in motorsport,” she says.
“The support that we have at Knysna Hillclimb is just incredible and seeing the same kids come up to you each year and watching them grow is just incredible. It’s like being a part of a family.”
Competing in one of the most scenic parts of South Africa only adds to the experience.
“It’s such a privilege to be able to do what we love in such a special part of our beautiful country.”
Seeing Simola Through the Eyes of the Fans
One of Paige’s standout memories from the 2026 edition actually came away from the driver’s seat.
She recalls being transported up the hill in an AA vehicle, giving her a rare opportunity to truly experience the event from the spectators’ perspective.
“I could actually see the spectator points and the incredible crowd and people,” she says.
“It’s not something I have ever seen in the past. It was so good to see the support we have all the way up the hill and the incredible vibe.”
For Paige, the spectators remain the heartbeat of Simola.
“They are what makes the event, no question. Probably the most important aspect of the event.”
Her favourite fan moments continue to come from the younger generation.
“The kids are always my highlight,” she says.
“The repeat kiddies getting your signature, shouting your name, collecting photos each year — nothing beats that love, admiration and support.”
The Challenge of the Hill
The Simola Hillclimb is internationally respected for its demanding nature — a fast, technical course lined with unforgiving barriers and narrow margins for error.
Paige says the uniqueness comes from the fact that drivers are essentially racing on a public road.
“It’s a demanding, risky, exciting and testing hill but also incredibly beautiful at the same time.”
Asked which section requires the most focus, she laughs before answering:
“Goodness me, the whole hill!”
But she points specifically to the bridge section and connecting corners as the most technically challenging areas.
“Getting the lines right for the connecting corners is always the challenge and key.”
The intensity of the event also places huge physical and mental demands on competitors.
“It is full on,” she explains.
“I feel like you have very minimal time in between runs to do much and then you’re lining up again.”
“Your concentration has to be full on as a slight distraction can have a drastic aftermath up that hill.”
From V8 Thunder to Electric Power
One of the biggest adjustments for Paige this year was stepping into the world of electric performance.
Competing in the Changan K50 REEV Hunter bakkie marked her first-ever event in an EV.
“It was a completely different experience for me,” she says.
“I did miss the sound and feeling of a V8 monster for sure, but the EV was a great experience.”
The transition offered valuable lessons and insights into the rapidly evolving future of motorsport technology.
The Power Behind the Team
Behind every successful Simola campaign lies an enormous support structure — something Paige knows all too well.
Lindenberg Racing arrived at the event with an astonishing nine-car entry and over 100 people supporting the operation.
“Our logistics for an event like this are next level,” she explains.
“We start preparing at least six months prior to the event.”
For Paige, the crew remains the foundation of everything.
“Our crew is everything. Without them we wouldn’t be at these events.”
“From family and friends supporting and helping to world-class mechanics and teams backing us, it’s impossible to do it alone.”
A Defining Year Personally and Professionally
While the racing itself was memorable, the most emotional part of the weekend came away from the timing sheets.
“Having my seven-week-old baby boy there with me will always be a beautiful memory.”
Balancing motherhood with elite motorsport competition is no small task, yet Paige handled the challenge with the same determination that has defined her racing career for decades.
The 2026 edition also reinforced why Simola remains such a critical part of motorsport culture in Southern Africa.
“It has brought a whole new following and spectatorship to motorsport in South Africa,” she says.
“It allows people the opportunity to get up close and personal with willing drivers, see cars, touch them, feel them, and interact with drivers.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
For Paige and Lindenberg Racing, there is little time to rest. The team continues to maintain a packed calendar of motorsport events across multiple disciplines throughout the year.
And with Lindenberg Racing celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, major plans are already underway behind the scenes.
“Lots of plans in the background for that,” she hints.
One thing is certain — Paige has no plans of slowing down.
Would she return to Simola again?
“150%.”
Looking back on the entire weekend, Paige describes the 2026 Simola Hillclimb as one of the defining highlights of her career.
“From being there as a new mom with a seven-week-old baby to watching our team perform, to racing an electric bakkie for the first time, to the spectators, family, friends and everything in between — it was definitely one for the books.”
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete in this event, and I am so proud of our Lindenberg Racing and Team Shelby teams.”
“All round, just an incredible event for all of us. Thank you, Simola Hillclimb.”
