Speed Classic Cape Town Delivers High-Octane Thrills Under Table Mountain
Pure speed took centre stage in the Mother City this past weekend as it hosted the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town, a spectacular new hillclimb event that brought together nearly 80 of South Africa’s finest supercars and racing machines.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, the 1.8 km Philip Kgosana Drive course reverberated with the sound of high-performance engines battling for the coveted King of the Mountain title.
From modern Ferraris, McLarens, and Lamborghinis to single-seater race cars and 1000hp saloon beasts, the event captured the essence of motorsport excellence while thrilling thousands of spectators both trackside and online.
Classic Car Saturday: A celebration of heritage, hospitality, and horsepower
Saturday at the Speed Classic Cape Town was nothing short of spectacular. The day was dedicated to Classic Car Saturday, where timeless motoring icons lined the pits and took to Philip Kgosana Drive in a stunning showcase of style, sound, and nostalgia. As part of the accredited media, Driver Digest SA was treated to a first-class experience, from complimentary meals and refreshments to the best trackside access imaginable.
One of the highlights of the day was the Ridealong experience, where I had the incredible opportunity to climb into a Tracktion drift car and feel the raw energy of controlled chaos firsthand. The precision, skill, and smoke-filled thrill of drifting through the hillclimb turns offered a new appreciation for the artistry behind motorsport.
I’ll share my Speed Classic Cape Town Saturday Classics Pit Walk video here below, from the paddock preparations to the legends of the past roaring to life once more under the Cape Town sun. Follow my Instagram, X, and TikTok for some of the top photos and videos I took this weekend.
King of the Mountain Sunday: Supercars, speed, and pure spectacle
If Saturday was a celebration of heritage, Sunday was all about raw power and modern performance. The King of the Mountain competition brought out some of the most extreme supercars and modified racing beasts ever seen on Cape Town’s streets, Ferraris, McLarens, Lamborghinis, Nissans, and more, all pushing their limits on the 1.8 km Philip Kgosana Drive hillclimb.
The Speed Classic Cape Town atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Engines thundered off the line, echoing across Table Mountain as drivers fought for every millisecond in pursuit of the crown. These machines weren’t just fast; they were alive, each run filled with tension, precision, and pure passion. I even bumped into Lallies F1 & Motorsport, who I have quickly become a fan of. Also I snapped a shot with one of the MCs, Victor Pardal, whose commentary I absolutely loved at the track.
It was another unforgettable day at the Speed Classic Cape Town, and I’ll be including my Sunday Supercars Pit Walk video and photo highlights to showcase the intensity, excitement, and energy that defined the event’s grand finale.
King of the Mountain results and weekend highlights
The competitive spirit of Speed Classic Cape Town reached its peak on Sunday, 26 October, as close to 80 supercars, single-seaters, and saloon racers faced off in the ultimate test of precision and performance. The closed-off Philip Kgosana Drive was transformed into a 1.8 km battleground where engines roared, tyres screamed, and adrenaline surged beneath the towering presence of Table Mountain.
After an intense day of hillclimb action at Speed Classic Cape Town, it was Franco Scribante who claimed the inaugural King of the Mountain title in his 2018 Nissan GTR R35, setting a blistering time of 35.260 seconds, just 0.599 seconds faster than Reghard Roets, also in a Nissan GTR R35. Dawie Joubert rounded off the podium in his Lotus Exige, clocking 37.407 seconds.
Scribante, who had finished second during Classic Car Saturday, described his victory as “a miracle that it all came together for the final run.” His determination and precision through the narrow, technical hillclimb proved enough to secure his place in Speed Classic history.
It was heartbreak for Pieter Zeelie, who had dominated the timing charts throughout the day but suffered a faulty start in the final shootout, taking him out of contention for the top spot.
Event Race Director Enzo Kuun called the course one of the most scenic in the world: “To race with Table Mountain to my right, the Atlantic Ocean to my left, and Lion’s Head behind me was an absolute privilege and epic experience.”
With nearly 15,000 spectators attending in person and another 180,000 joining via livestream, the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town proved to be a massive success. Event Director Garth Mackintosh praised the achievement, saying the event “can only get bigger and better from here,” laying the foundation for what promises to become one of South Africa’s premier motorsport spectacles.
For full results, visit: https://speedclassic.capetown/results/
Speed Classic Cape Town sets a new benchmark for local motorsport
The inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town proved that South Africa’s motorsport scene is alive and thriving. With the majestic Table Mountain as its backdrop, the event combined the passion of classic motoring with the thrill of modern supercar performance, delivering a weekend that will be remembered for years to come.
From the elegance of Classic Car Saturday to the intensity of King of the Mountain Sunday, every moment captured the essence of speed, style, and spirit. The seamless organisation, breathtaking setting, and enthusiastic crowd cemented this event as a must-attend on the national racing calendar.
As Driver Digest SA, we were honoured to be part of the media experience, from the warm hospitality to the unforgettable Ridealong and pit access. We can’t wait to return next year to see how Speed Classic Cape Town continues to grow, inspire, and redefine motorsport excellence in South Africa.
