As South Africa’s 2025 motorsport season draws to a close, Zwartkops Raceway is preparing to host the second Top Of The Hill event later this month (21-22 November) following 2024’s successful inaugural event.
Course time attack events have indeed found prominence on the South African motorsport calendar, with 2025 seeing four major events, the upcoming The Top Of The Hill Challenge being the last. Not only do more events offer more opportunities for competitors to race in these often purpose-built cars, but they also become firm favourites among motorsport fans. The Top Of The Hill Challenge is currently the only event of this nature staged in Gauteng, and therefore, it will provide spectators with a rare chance to see and hear some of these cars live.
As in 2024, the event will feature four primary classes: Classic Conqueror, Road & Supercars, Modified Production Cars, and Single Seater & Sports Cars. This year’s event will also see the respective champions, Ian Schofield (Investchem 1977 March 77B), Vic Campher (2019 Porsche 911 RS), Reghard Roets (BB Motorsport 2014 Nissan GTR R35), and JM Gerber (2007 Formula M Van Dieman), returning to defend their Shootout titles. Roets, who recently also won a similar event in Cape Town, recorded 2024’s fastest time of 53.257 seconds on the course, which starts at Turn 4 of the circuit, where competitors drive against the normal flow of the circuit, finishing just after the Table Top corner. The event will again include the Volkswagen Rookie Cup Media Challenge.
Some other notable entrants include Pieter Zeelie (Zeelie Auditors 2007 Toyota MR2), who conquered the hill in Knysna earlier this year, and Franco Scribante (2016 Nissan GTR R35). After missing the 2024 event, Clare Vale will be in action in her 2013 Subaru BRZ. Heinrich du Preez will also debut at the event in his 1985 Cobra KCC, the fourth built in South Africa and the oldest still in the country. Shelby South Africa will again have its Ford Mustang Super Snake range of vehicles at the event.
A unique aspect of The Top Of The Hill Challenge is that both days of the event will feature both classic and modern vehicles in action. This ensures fans will see a wide variety of cars compete on both days. Friday, 21 November, will see the official practice sessions and the first three of six qualifying sessions. Saturday, 22 November, spectators will be treated to the balance of the qualifying runs, before the Class Finals, and various Shootouts.
Expanding fan engagement beyond merely what’s happening on the circuit has become the norm at Zwartkops Raceway. The paddock area will be open to all spectators at no additional charge, and fans are encouraged to meet their favourite drivers and take a closer look at the cars they will be driving. There will also be a variety of car club displays, while those wanting to experience some sideways action firsthand can take passenger rides in purpose-built drift cars on the skidpan. Keeping the children entertained will be easier with a dedicated Kiddies Zone.
As always, a wide variety of food and drink vendors will be available, and Pit Stop Sports Café features a fully licensed bar on the premises. Fans are welcome to bring along their gas braais, gazebos, camping chairs, and cooler boxes.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the entrance gate or by contacting the Zwartkops Raceway office (Phone +27 12 384 2299, Email info@zwartkops.co.za). Tickets are priced at R230 per adult, R150 per student, and children under 12 enter for free.
