A true racer at heart: Piet Potgieter

MOTORING NEWS - The Simola Hillclimb always delivers an enthralling and eclectic mix of cars and characters.

From charming classic machines of all ages, shapes and sizes to attainable hot hatchbacks, rapid super saloons to exotic supercars, as well as sleek single-seater race cars to outrageously powerful modified saloon cars purpose-built for a sub-40 second run up the 1.9 km Simola Hill – there’s truly something for everyone.

While the thoroughbred race cars wow the crowds with their near gravity-defying cornering prowess and speed, the cars that compete in the Road-going Saloon Car and Supercar category are certainly the most relatable and aspirational for most fans.

These are standard production vehicles, as they come off the showroom floor, and are often dream-worthy symbols of performance and speed.

Although it has had a turbulent history that dates back to 1910, Alfa Romeo remains a much-loved brand with a long list of iconic cars that helped create its passionate following.

In the modern era, the company’s Giulia Quadrifoglio symbolised a return to form for the Italian marque when it debuted in 2015, positioned as a direct rival to the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63.

It certainly stole the heart of Mpumalanga-based Piet Potgieter, who has been competing with his distinctive red 2017 Giulia at the Simola Hillclimb for the past seven years. And it’s easy to see why, as this top-specification Quadrifoglio (Italian for ‘four-leaf clover’ to signify its high-performance models) is a formidable road car. Its twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine boasts Ferrari lineage, producing 375 kW of power and a substantial 600 Nm of torque.

“I’ve always competed at the Simola Hillclimb in my 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, which is my daily driver,” Potgieter says. “It’s such a beautiful car, and handles very well up the Simola Hill. Getting the car off the line properly is tricky as it didn’t come with launch control, so that’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s great fun to drive.”

Potgieter, now aged 75 and still full of energy with adrenaline coursing through his veins, has a long motorsport history. He used to race superbikes, and Ducatis in particular, reinforcing his love for Italian steeds.

“I was Battle of the Twins South African champion on a Ducati, and I’ve done some overseas events, including the Isle of Man TT, which I raced twice,” he says. “Clinton Pienaar and I competed in the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour motorcycle endurance race as well, racing for a British team.”

After hanging up his bike leathers, Potgieter switched to racing cars and still competes in the 111 GT Sports & Saloons championship with a VW Golf GTI that Graeme Nathan prepares for him. He finished second in class A for this series in 2025, proving that he still has the right stuff behind the wheel.

“I really enjoy circuit racing events, and my Golf GTI is a lot of fun on the track.”

Although the Simola Hillclimb is quite different to racing on established race circuits, it presents unique challenges and a great atmosphere, which Potgieter enjoys. “I come here to have fun, and it’s always very exciting. The course is tight and challenging, and tests the car and the driver’s skills to the limit,” he says.

“The most challenging part of the course is remaining clear of the corner limit markers. These weren’t used when I first came to the hillclimb, and it was much easier to tackle the apex of each corner. Now I have to watch my lines and be a lot more careful, which does make it more difficult.”

Potgieter’s fastest official time for the Simola Hillclimb was achieved in 2019 when he completed the 1.9 km standing start sprint in 48.875 seconds, placing him ninth in the Top 10 Shootout in the Road-going Saloon Car and Supercar category.

With the corner limit markers becoming more stringent over the years, he won his class in 2021 with a time of 50.014 seconds and went on to finish a commendable sixth in the Top 10 Shootout on 50.642 seconds.

“The organisation of the Simola Hillclimb is superb, and the spectator interest is fantastic. Every year, the crowd and the atmosphere of this event grow, and more people come to talk to me about my Alfa Romeo. It’s wonderful to interact with fellow enthusiasts,” Potgieter says.

“The international attention the Simola Hillclimb gets, and the overseas drivers that are coming to this event, confirms how popular and well-run Simola is. It’s truly world-class, and having these high-profile drivers competing here makes it even more special for the rest of the drivers, like myself. It’s also great recognition for South African motorsport.

“I will keep coming back to the Simola Hillclimb as long as I can,” Potgieter enthusiastically says, “and it will always be with my Giulia Quadrifoglio as I’ll never get rid of this car.”

The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.

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