The 2026 Simola Hillclimb will be bp Southern Africa’s second edition as the Official Fuel Partner, following the commencement of a four-year sponsorship that began last year.
This unique event blends elite motorsport with a lifestyle experience unlike anything else in South Africa. It brings together classic icons, modern performance machines and top-tier drivers on a course that demands power, precision and reliability.
“The Simola Hillclimb is one of South Africa’s premier motorsport events, and it gives bp a world‑class platform to showcase bp Ultimate fuels with ACTIVE technology. The course is technical and unforgiving, the ideal environment to demonstrate the performance of our most-advanced fuels,” says Domnick Nkhatu, Senior Manager, Convenience Trading, bp Southern Africa.
“As the Official Fuel Partner, our involvement in the Simola Hillclimb is driven by the event’s high calibre of performance vehicles, exceptional audience reach and strong brand alignment. Simola Hillclimb gives us direct access to passionate motoring enthusiasts on the ground and online,” Nkhatu says.
bp will have a strong on‑site and digital presence at the 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026. The company’s branding, partnerships and activations are designed to elevate the fan experience while highlighting its fuel performance credentials. This includes a Wildbean Café pop-up, which brings one of bp’s most loved food and coffee offerings to the event, while bp Rewards will showcase how customers can get cashback every time they choose bp.
“We’re proud to again also support MINI South Africa, Lindenberg Racing and Team Shelby, who are co-branding with bp and are fuelled by our most-advanced fuels, bp Ultimate with ACTIVE technology. Their performance on the hill is a powerful demonstration of what our fuel can do,” Nkhatu adds.
“We look forward to having bp back for its second year as the Official Fuel Partner, after it kicked off the sponsorship last year with lots of enthusiasm and energy,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival, which owns and runs the Simola Hillclimb. “bp has a long history of motorsport sponsorship of world-class events, and it’s through the support of valued partners such as bp that we are able to raise the calibre of the Simola Hillclimb, and deliver a spectacular showcase of performance for our competitors and spectators.”
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
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