Speed Classic Cape Town delivers a weekend of pure adrenaline beneath Table Mountain

Franco Scribante in his purpose-built Nissan R35 GTR Skyline.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, Cape Town roared back to life. The inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town wasn’t just a race — it was a resurrection. Over one unforgettable weekend, history and horsepower collided as the city’s most scenic stretch of tarmac, Philip Kgosana Drive, became a 1.8-kilometre battleground of sound, smoke, and speed, reigniting a motorsport spirit dormant for more than half a century.

For two days, history met horsepower as classic icons and purpose-built monsters raced against time beneath one of the 7 Wonders of Nature – Table Mountain. Saturday’s curtain-raiser delivered a mechanical symphony that felt both nostalgic and daringly alive. Nearly seventy classic and historic cars — from pre-war racers to snarling 1970s single-seaters — attacked the twisting ascent with engines screaming and tyres clawing for grip. The crowd lining the route erupted with every launch.

A classic 1930 4.5 litre LeMans Bentley in action.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

At the sharp end, Charles Arton emerged as the man to beat. Behind the wheel of his 1979 March 79A Formula Atlantic, he produced a stunning 40.143-second run to claim the inaugural Classic Champion title. “Beyond expectations is the simple answer for today,” Arton said afterwards, visibly emotional. “I am extremely proud to be the first Classic Champion at Speed Classic Cape Town. There’s a lot of pressure in an event like this, so when it all comes together, it’s pure joy.”

Hot on his heels, Franco Scribante clocked a 40.362 in his Chevron B19, while James Temple’s Shelby Daytona Coupe completed the podium on 43.245. For event director Garth Mackintosh, watching priceless cars being driven in anger was a dream realised. “We witnessed motorsport jewellery out on track today,” he said. “It’s rare to see cars of this calibre being pushed like that — it was absolutely special.”

A Ferrari 458 Speciale attacking the 1.8km hillclimb at Speed Classic Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

If Saturday celebrated heritage and craftsmanship, Sunday was a full-throttle demonstration of modern performance. The hill echoed with the roar of nearly eighty supercars and race-bred hillclimb machines — Ferraris, McLarens, Lamborghinis, and turbocharged saloon cars with over a thousand horsepower — hurtling toward the summit at nearly 240 km/h. The battle for the first King of the Mountain title came down to sheer nerve and precision.

Franco Scribante, determined to make up for his near miss the day before, found redemption in spectacular fashion. Piloting his Nissan GT-R R35, he dug deep in the final shootout to post a blistering 35.260 seconds — just 0.599 clear of Reghard Roets, also in a GT-R. Dawie Joubert, in a nimble Lotus Exige nicknamed Lotari, rounded out the top three with a 37.407. “We were absolutely nowhere earlier in the day,” Scribante said. “I knew we’d have to dig deep. It was a miracle that it all came together in the final run. I can’t wait to be back again next year.”

There was heartbreak for Pieter Zeelie, who had dominated the timesheets before a faulty start ended his hopes.

Enzo Kuun, race director for Speed Classic Cape Town, described the course as “one of the most scenic tracks in the world,” saying, “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.”

By the end of the weekend, Speed Classic Cape Town had drawn close to 15,000 spectators to the mountain and more than 180,000 online. The event ran under Motorsport South Africa sanctioning, with full safety and logistics support from Volvo Car South Africa — whose XC90s and all-electric EX30s served as official safety and support vehicles.

It wasn’t just a motorsport event — it was the rebirth of one. The last major city hillclimb on Cape Town’s roads was more than sixty years ago, and organisers knew they were reviving a legacy as much as launching something new. As the final cars rolled into parc fermé, Mackintosh looked across the mountain road, satisfied. “To see our vision come to life has been incredible,” he said. “This was only the beginning. From here, we can only grow stronger.”

"I will never wash this hand," the kids shouted when getting to slap the hand of the drivers returning to the pits.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Moments were captured, and memories were made, as Speed Classic Cape Town etched itself into local motorsport folklore — an event destined to be remembered as one of those “I was there” moments. And when the engines finally fell silent, the city seemed to exhale. The mountain stood calm once again, watching over a weekend that redefined what motorsport in South Africa could look like.. The names of Arton and Scribante no etched in the record books — the first champions of an event that already feels destined to become a Cape Town classic. 

Heineken World Tour brings F1 fever to Cape Town

Get ready, Cape Town — on 30 November 2025, the Heineken World Tour roars into town, transforming the Mother City into a high-octane celebration of speed, sound, and style.

This isn’t just an event — it’s a global F1 experience brought to life on South African soil. From the growl of authentic Formula 1 machinery to the pulse of live music and Heineken’s signature sophistication, this one-day spectacular is where racing passion meets world-class entertainment.

Themed “More than a race — it’s a lap around the world,” the Heineken World Tour captures everything that makes Formula 1 special: the precision, the glamour, the global energy — all wrapped up in a single unforgettable day.

Fans can expect to get closer than ever to the world of Formula 1, with stunning car displays with Sam Sam, immersive fan zones, and an electric atmosphere that merges Cape Town’s urban energy with the heartbeat of motorsport’s biggest stage.

And when the sun dips, the city won’t slow down — it’ll light up. Live performances, premium experiences, and a special live viewing of the Qatar Grand Prix will turn the streets into the ultimate celebration of F1 culture.

“This isn’t just about watching a race,” says Alex Drake, Heineken Brand Director South Africa. “It’s about stepping into the world of F1, feeling the adrenaline, the style, and the excitement firsthand. Cape Town will become a global F1 hub for the day.”

From VIP hospitality to immersive lifestyle zones, every detail is designed to make fans feel part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re a hardcore petrolhead or just in it for the music, energy, and atmosphere, the Heineken World Tour promises to deliver a premium experience that lives long after the chequered flag.

“We’re bringing global energy home,” adds Warrick Wyngaard, Heineken South Africa’s Marketing Communication Manager. “This World Tour is for everyone — F1 fans, lifestyle lovers, and anyone who wants to feel the pulse of a global celebration. Cape Town is ready for its moment.”

The Heineken World Tour: where Formula 1 meets the streets of Cape Town. Don’t just watch it — live it. Grab your tickets now!! 

Speed Classic Cape Town: A New Era of Hillclimb Set to Ignite the Mother City

Cape Town is about to experience a motorsport weekend like no other. The inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town, taking place on 25–26 October 2025, will transform the iconic Philip Kgosana Drive into a high-octane hillclimb showdown — powered by an all-star lineup of partners helping turn this vision into a world-class celebration of speed, style, and pure racing passion.

Leading the charge is Volvo South Africa, taking the wheel as the event’s official automotive partner. A premium fleet — from the flagship XC90 to the cutting-edge fully electric EX30 — will headline safety, support, and shuttle duties throughout the weekend. Fans can also witness the EX30 in action during an exclusive on-track experience that highlights Volvo’s seamless blend of performance, innovation, and world-class safety.

If the roar of racing engines doesn’t get your heart racing, then a Red Bull Racing demo display will definitely grab your attention on Sunday, 26 October. With Red Bull DJs keeping the energy alive and the brand fuelling drivers between runs, fans can expect the atmosphere to be electric from start to finish.

Adding a touch of style, PUMA will ensure every driver looks the part with exclusive goodie bags for all entrants. Spectators can get in on the action too — every ticket includes a 20% discount voucher for PUMA’s official online store, bringing a dose of racing flair to fans across the city.

Cape Town radio stations, Kfm 94.5 and CapeTalk, are turning up the volume with pre-race coverage, exclusive interviews, and live competitions as anticipation builds toward the event. Expect the Mother City to buzz with Speed Classic fever as the countdown continues.

From ice-cold refreshments courtesy of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) to seamless event connectivity powered by Octotel and Clear Access, Speed Classic Cape Town is being engineered for maximum fan experience. The event also enjoys the invaluable backing of the City of Cape Town, whose early support has been crucial in bringing this world-class motorsport festival to life.

“Partnerships are at the heart of bringing an event like Speed Classic Cape Town to life,” says Event Director Garth Mackintosh. “Our sponsors share our vision of creating a motorsport celebration that captures Cape Town’s energy, creativity, and passion for performance.”

From Volvos to Formula 1 icons, pulsing DJ sets, and panoramic mountain views — Speed Classic Cape Town isn’t just an event; it’s the start of a new motorsport tradition. If you love the sound of engines echoing off Table Mountain, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.

Name: Speed Classic Cape Town

Dates: 25–26 October 2025

Venue: Philip Kgosana Drive, Gardens, Cape Town

Course: 1.8km | Elevation Gain: 150.1m

Tickets HERE

Everything you need to know HERE

Heineken brings F1 flair to Luxurious Marble Circus ahead of Cape Town World Tour

SUPPLIED: Heineken SA.

Heineken brought the thrill of Formula 1 to life at the Luxurious Marble Circus, combining cutting-edge style with racing prestige. In true Heineken fashion, the brand delivered an immersive motorsport experience, headlined by the launch of its special-edition, track-inspired bottles — a celebration of speed, innovation, and premium craftsmanship.

Inspired by Formula 1’s precision, performance, and pursuit of perfection, Heineken’s special-edition bottle captures the essence of the sport in both form and function. Every curve and contour reflects racing’s aerodynamic artistry, delivering a design that’s meant to be admired, held, and enjoyed. Inside the Heineken Dome, it became more than just a drink — it was an experience that celebrated innovation, craftsmanship, and the thrill of F1.

“Every detail of this bottle is a statement of innovation and craftsmanship,” said Warrick Wyngaard, Marketing Communication Manager at Heineken South Africa. “We’re thrilled to bring this level of design to the table to complement our partnership with the most exhilarating sport on four wheels. It’s pure finish inside and out.”

The Heineken dome quickly became a focal point of the event, offering guests not just a drink, but what the brand calls “a complete experience.” The new bottle, with its polished contours and premium feel, became a talking point among attendees — a symbol of Heineken’s push to merge modern design with its long-standing association with Formula 1.

Heineken’s special-edition, track-inspired bottles celebrate six of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, Zandvoort, Interlagos, Silverstone, and Monza. Each bottle captures the spirit and history of these legendary tracks, bringing the thrill of F1 straight into the hands of fans.

SUPPLIED: Heineken SA

Adding a touch of theatre, a mysterious “helmet man” in a Heineken race suit roamed the venue, creating buzz on social media and adding an element of surprise that played perfectly into the brand’s F1 narrative.

“Being at the Luxurious Marble Circus was all about celebrating the rare and the extraordinary,” Wyngaard added. “From our super-exclusive bottles to the first-ever appearance of the Hero in the Helmet, fans got a real taste of the premium experiences Heineken is known for.”

The Marble Circus showcase serves as a prelude to Heineken’s World Tour event in Cape Town on 30 November, where fans will have the chance to get up close to the world of Formula 1. The activation promises live engines, photo opportunities with a real F1 car, and an atmosphere designed to bring the energy of a Grand Prix to South African streets.

Since partnering with Formula 1 in 2016, Heineken has staged a series of high-profile activations across the globe, each designed to connect fans with the sport’s energy and elegance.

“Whether it’s clinking a limited-edition bottle with friends or feeling the thrill of Formula 1 up close, Heineken is all about bringing the excitement straight to fans,” Wyngaard concluded. “South Africa loves F1, and we’re ready to give them a taste of racing’s global spectacle.”