Classic Car and Bike Show: A true cornerstone of Cape Town's motoring culture.

A timeless collection of Porsche's finest, from air-cooled icons to more modern classics, on display at the Classic Car and Bike Show.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Nestled within the gardens of Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, the 2026 Classic Car and Bike Show has once again underscored its status as one of Cape Town’s most established motoring gatherings, drawing enthusiasts, collectors, and families for a weekend that celebrated automotive history.

After more than 20 years, the Classic Car and Bike Show has become a must-visit fixture on the Cape Town events calendar. The concept was created in 1999, with the first show held in January 2000, and it featured only a handful of clubs. Over the years, the event gained popularity among both exhibitors and the public. In 2006, the decision was made to expand the show from a single-day format to a two-day event, with modern classics showcased on the Saturday, and pre-war machinery on the Sunday. The expansion of the show allowed for the inclusion of additional clubs, significantly broadening its appeal to a wider audience. 

According to organiser and Crank Handle Club representative Colin Greyvensteyn, the show began “around about 2000” before being handed over to the International Police Association (IPA), which continues to play a central role in its organisation. “We’ve got a very close association with them,” Greyvensteyn explained, adding that the Crank Handle Club has co-run the event for the past five years. Timour Hall itself has become a natural home for the show, serving as the club’s monthly meeting venue.

If cars weren't your thing, the broad range of bikes made a bold statement. On display was this British BAS motorcycle, complete with rally notes. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA.

As one of South Africa’s oldest car clubs, the Crank Handle Club caters to a wide array of cars, Greyvensteyn explains, “We cater for cars from the dawn of motoring all the way up to 1997. So we’ve got some new stuff in the club, and we also have all the way up to the oldest stuff in the country.” The large variety of cars were clearly visible across the showgrounds, with displays ranging from pre-war vehicles to iconic modern-era classics, including an eye-catching 1991 Honda NSX, and attention-grabbing racing bikes. 

The oldest car in South Africa is a 1901 Benz Ideal.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Those in attendance were also treated to what Greyvensteyn described as “the oldest car in the country, a 1901 Benz,” which proved to be one of the weekend’s standout attractions.

While comparisons are sometimes drawn with major international events, Greyvensteyn believes the show’s character is defined by its grassroots ethos rather than scale. Having attended Goodwood, he views the Classic Car and Bike Show as something fundamentally different. “I think the biggest benefit of this car show is organised by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts,” he said. “We also donate all of the proceeds and everything to charity, but by and large, we are all petrol heads that are here, and everybody gets involved.”

Fundraising has long been a central purpose of the Classic Car and Bike Show, with its growth directly enabling increased charitable support. Over the years, donations of R10 000 have been made to a wide range of organisations, including Robertson House in aid of victims of spinal injuries, the SA Burn Foundation for its “Learn Not to Burn” school programme, Tape Aids for the Blind, the Chaeli Campaign, Living Way outreach near Kommetjie, the Village Care Aged Fund in Lavender Hill, and the Nkosiyamoyethu Outreach Programme in Hout Bay. Further beneficiaries have included the Lucky Lucy Foundation, Age-in-Action, SA Promise, and, in 2017, Wildfire Volunteer Services and Enviro Wildfire Services. 

Following the resumption of the show post-COVID in 2023, the organisers have expressed a continued commitment to supporting charities in need. This community-driven spirit is reflected in how the event is run. Greyvensteyn noted that around 80 Crank Handle Club members contribute to the organisation of the show, supported by volunteers from numerous other clubs. “There are so many volunteers from so many of the other clubs that are also involved, donate, get stuck in, and do the work,” he said.

The inclusive nature of the event extends beyond formal club structures. Private individuals are also encouraged to exhibit their vehicles. “They can come and exhibit as private individuals as well. If you’ve got a Volvo and you’re not part of a club, you’ll probably meet other Volvo owners here, and you’ll get involved with them,” Greyvensteyn explained.

Away from the static displays, the weekend offered far more than polished paintwork and timeless classics. Spectators were able to browse cars listed for sale, explore an AutoJumble – the UK-style equivalent of a swap meet – and enjoy live entertainment alongside food vendors, whilst small-scale collectors could peruse toy stalls for their next purchase. This variety ensured a broad appeal, with something on offer for everyone, from the casual visitor, serious collectors and younger attendees alike.

Small cars, big character... The Cape Town Mini Club brought the colour and charm to the Classic Car and Bike Show. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Among the many clubs represented at the Classic Car and Bike show were the Cape Town Mini Club, whose display showcased a wide range of the iconic Mini brand. Club member Neil Ryklieff explained that participation in events like this is central to preserving that heritage. “For me personally, and I think I speak for all the members, it is for like-minded Mini owners to get together and then share our love and passion for our cars,” he said.

Ryklieff emphasised the role such gatherings play in sustaining interest across generations. “In so doing, [we] carry on the heritage and hopefully we can attract younger generations to the marque of the Mini,” he said. 

The display included everything from everyday road cars to rare and highly valuable examples. “You can go from cheaper versions to very, very expensive versions as well,” he noted, referencing a particularly special Cooper S at the show valued at approximately R1.5 million.

The extensive range of Minis on display reflects the broader philosophy of the Classic Car and Bike Show itself, where accessibility and shared enthusiasm remain a central theme. As Greyvensteyn put it, the event is ultimately about connection. “If you have any interest in any motor vehicle or any sort of club, come here/ All the major Cape Town clubs are here. If you are looking for a hobby to really get involved in, come here,” he said. “The people are so friendly, they’re so welcoming… you’ll find your people, whichever the thing may be.”

The AutoJumble was a true hit for those looking to restore cars, with a wide range of spares and car badges available for purchase. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

As the 2026 edition drew to a close, the atmosphere at the Timour Hall Ville reflected more than two decades of continuity built on volunteerism, passion, and inclusivity. With its blend of historic significance, modern-day appeal, and strong charitable foundations, the Classic Car and Bike Show remains a cornerstone of Cape Town’s automotive culture.

From Bricks to a Head-Turner: The Life-size LEGO Mercedes W14 showcase arrives in Cape Town for a limited time.

The life-sized Mercedes W14 EQ Performance on display at the V&A Waterfront
COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

LEGO® South Africa, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, has treated South Africans to a rare and unforgettable nationwide experience, with a life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 E Performance on tour across the nation. The awe-inspiring activation has stopped off in Cape Town, at one of the city’s most iconic tourist destinations, the V&A Waterfront, where local and international audiences will have unprecedented up-close access to a modern Formula 1 recreation.

The showcase marked a landmark moment for LEGO® South Africa, representing the brand’s first campaign of this scale in the country. More than just a showcase, it’s a celebration of the shared values that unite LEGO® and Mercedes-Benz: precision, engineering excellence, and innovation. 

For the South African spectators, it’s a chance to experience the craftsmanship and detail of a contemporary Formula 1 machine in a way rarely possible outside the paddock.

Designed as a true “big-brand moment,” the campaign was crafted to generate excitement well in advance of the final reveal. Working on the idea of the car being shipped from Singapore, the team built excitement with a “Guess What’s in the Crate” campaign across their social media platforms, which went on to spark a lot of conversations around what it could be, and ultimately, culminated in the brand’s biggest-ever unboxing event.

The life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 has some incredible detail.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

From the moment the crate touched down at the airport, fans around South Africa were invited to follow the story as it unfolded, building towards a helicopter drop-off and the breathtaking reveal of the LEGO® masterpiece in front of media and motoring enthusiasts at the Mercedes-Benz Experience Centre at Zwartkops Raceway. 

“The reveal forms part of LEGO South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed Country Manager for LEGO® South Africa, said.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa highlighted the strong alignment between the two brands, with Claudius Steinhoff, Executive Director MBC & Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, saying: “This collaboration between LEGO South Africa and Mercedes-Benz is built on shared values of precision, performance, and excellence. The LEGO Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car celebrates our achievements at the pinnacle of motorsport and reflects the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that unite both brands.”

The grand public showcase kicked off at the Nelson Mandela Square in November last year and has since traveled across the nation. And, for its penultimate pitstop in South Africa, the life-sized LEGO® Mercedes W14 E Performance has arrived in Cape Town, at one of the city's most iconic tourist locations, the V&A Waterfront. 

As passersby catch a glimpse of the life-sized Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the reaction is immediate and unmistakable, with audible gasps as they stop in their tracks, instinctively reaching for their phones. Within seconds, the LEGO® display becomes a backdrop for photos and selfies, with curious onlookers moving closer with every step to find out more.

With every step they take closer to the activation, the audience is greeted by very friendly LEGO staff, who assist with all the inquires, also encouraging those present to challenge their building-skill and reflexes, with LEGO® build stations were kids and adults a like can build their own race cars, take it to the “championship racing” high-speed ramp with precision timing systems, and see how they rack up against the competition. And, for those who aren’t keen on building, there is a reflex challenge, which tests your reaction times, mirroring real driver skills. 

The LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance and Mercedes-Benz G 500 Professional Line

PHOTO CREDIT: LEGO South Africa and Slipstream SA

And for those who marvel at the sight of the life-sized masterpiece, questions arise, which are quickly answered by the LEGO staff, where it's learnt that the life-sized Mercedes-AMG W14 is based on the LEGO® Technic set, which is available in stores now. 

When asked about the build itself, the curious spectators are informed that the scaled-up LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build took a team of 15 expert builders over 2,438 hours to assemble. The team used a total of 192,937 LEGO bricks, resulting in the build weighing approximately 913 kilograms and measuring 5.1 metres in length and 2.2 metres in width.

The result is an awe-inspiring replica that mirrors the sleek aerodynamic lines, intricate details, and striking presence of its real-world Mercedes-AMG counterpart. And, for those with a keen eye for detail, this life-sized creation features the ‘red star’, which, for many F1 fans, symbolizes Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team's tribute to three-time F1 World Champion and former Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda. 

The LEGO South Africa activation at the V&A Waterfront
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

In every sense, the life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 display, which has been travelling across the nation, is more than a showpiece. “This campaign is for everyone; it is truly South African in every possible way,” LEGO’s spokesperson said. As the LEGO Group strives to connect fans of racing and design by inviting builders of all ages to recreate the world’s most iconic racing cars in the comfort of their homes, it’s true to say that this showcase across the nation has sparked conversation and left a lasting impression on all those in attendance. 

With Cape Town scheduled as the penultimate pitstop for the activation, it’s evident that the clock is very much ticking. For those who have yet to visit, there is still time: the life-sized Mercedes-AMG Petronas W14 will be on display in Cape Town until 25 January 25, before concluding its tour in Johannesburg at Sandton City from 5 to 28 February, 2026. 

The De-brief: Friesacher explains Formula 1’s evolution, what makes Verstappen special, and Rovanperä’s single-seater switch.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Racing is a dream for many, but achieving that dream is a far greater challenge. For many aspiring drivers, the ultimate goal is to reach Formula One. However, reaching the very top demands steadfast commitment, determination, and sacrifice, with no guarantees along the way. For those who do make the cut, the reward is a lifetime achievement, because only 22 drivers can race at the very top. One such driver is Patrick Friesacher, who realized that dream when he competed in Formula One with the Minardi F1 Team in the early 2000s.

The former Formula 1 driver visited Cape Town for the first time in November last year. Although South Africa itself is not unfamiliar territory for him, as he had previously visited the country in 2005 and 2006, when he drove a Formula 1 two-seater at the Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg.

With nearly two decades of involvement in Formula 1 – from racing with Minardi to his current role as an Exhibition Driver, Instructor, and Brand Ambassador for Oracle Red Bull Racing, Friesacher has experienced the sport across different eras. 

From the resource-limited teams in the early 2000s to the highly complex simulation, budget cap, and data-driven operations in the current era of the sport, he has truly seen Formula 1 evolve. The Austrian explains the differences that he has seen, “When I raced for Minardi, it was a pretty small team with a small budget. They were working with around 200 people. Now, at the big teams, with engine departments and everything included, you’re looking at almost 1,600 people. The whole structure is completely different – you can’t really compare.”

Friesacher waves the South African flag at the Heineken World Tour.
IMAGE SUPPLIED: Heineken SA

Friesacher’s motorsport journey began at the age of five, when he started karting. He progressed through the ranks, but it was a victory in a Formula 3000 race at the Hungaroring that truly catapulted the Austrian into the spotlight. That performance caught the attention of the Minardi team principal, Paul Stoddart, who offered Friesacher a test in an F1 car. 

On 22 November 2004, Friesacher completed his first F1 test with Minardi at the Misano circuit in Italy. He completed a total of 41 laps and emerged as the fastest driver of the day – a result that strongly impressed the team.

The performance convinced Stoddart to sign the young Austrian for the 2005 season; however, financial backing initially delayed his entry into Formula 1. 

Dane Nicolas Kiesa was initially earmarked for the 2005 seat; however, he failed to secure the required funding. And, in February that year, Friesacher was announced as a Minardi driver alongside Christijan Albers.

Whilst a career-best sixth-place finish came at the United States Grand Prix during the infamous Michelin tyre debacle, Friesacher’s Formula 1 career came to an end after just eleven races due to a lack of funding from his partners. However, reflecting on his time in the sport, the Austrian said, “It was great to reach Formula 1. It helped me a lot. I will never forget it for my whole life. It’s something special.”

Since then, Formula 1 has evolved into a global technological playground, characterized by substantial budgets, extensive staffing structures, and data-driven and simulation-based development. According to Friesacher, the evolution has not only reshaped the cars, but also the demands placed on the drivers these days. 

The current age of Formula 1 places high demands on drivers, including the new younger generation, who require not only raw speed but also technical intelligence, because data and feedback are critical to the development and optimization of a race car.

As Formula One evolved through the years, so has the technology. If you take a look back at the early 2000s, when teams used naturally aspirated V8 engines, it wasn't easy at all for the smaller teams to fight their way forward and truly challenge the powerhouse teams, who had the backing of enormous budgets, unrestricted testing, high-end equipment, and simulations.

Regulatory changes eventually brought an end to the fan-favourite V8 engines with KERS, ushering in the highly complex hybrid era. V6 turbo power units were introduced, complete with MGU-K and MGU-H energy recovery systems, which entered a new chapter in Formula One’s history — one dominated by Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP). That era yielded eight constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, underscoring the importance of investment and technical know-how.

As the dominant Mercedes era came to an end, Formula 1 entered a transitional phase, which began in 2021. Max Verstappen’s title-winning season ushered in the beginning of the ground-effect era that would follow in 2022, during which one driver consistently rose above the rest, asserting dominance and later overcoming obstacles to fight for victories once more.

Having worked within the Red Bull Racing family for years, Friesacher has witnessed Verstappen’s rise firsthand – from teenage prodigy to four-time Formula 1 World Champion. “He's very special," Friesacher exclusively told Slipstream SA. “Even for his young age, he knows what he's doing, he understands the car, he's building the right people around him, and everything together, the whole package that he has.”

What stands out most to the Austrian is Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from a car.

“Driving-wise – his driving style, even in the rain, in the wet, you see he's driving different lines, and yeah, he has something very special, I would say,” he said.

Adaptability has become one of the most valuable traits in modern motorsport, as demonstrated by Fernando Alonso, who took part in the world toughest rally-raid, the Dakar Rally, and the World Endurance Championship, whilst Max Verstappen’s participation — and victory – in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) alongside Chris Lulham, illustrates how top drivers are no longer confined to a single discipline.

It’s a reality now facing two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä, who made headlines after announcing his move to the Japanese Super Formula championship.

Data analysis following Kalle Rovenpera's run in the Red Bull F1 car.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Rovanperä’s rise in the World Rally Championship has often been described as meteoric. The Finn won his first WRC title at just 22 years old. He combined exceptional car control with maturity. However, transitioning from the world of rallying to high-downforce, single-seater racing presents an entirely new challenge.

In November 2024, the Finn was invited to drive a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Before the outing, he underwent an intensive training programme under Friesacher’s guidance, which included extensive simulator work, driving Formula 4 machinery, a Formula Renault 3.5 car, and ultimately a 2012 Red Bull RB8 — completing around 10 laps to experience true downforce levels and the performance of a Formula 1 car.

Rovanperä described the experience to DirtFish.com after driving the RB8, saying, “It was really cool to finally sit in an F1 car. It’s definitely really a different feeling than what a rally car gives with the seating position and everything – how it’s set up. So yeah, for sure, I was really excited to get to finally drive an F1 car.”

“With an F1 car, you definitely have so much downforce that, physically, it’s very different than a Rally1 car; you have a lot more g-forces, but it was pretty much how I expected it. Not too bad to be honest, but of course, if you do a long race, you can definitely feel the g-forces.”

“I was excited for the day, and it went pretty well. I got to experience three different formulas, so it was a good experience, and I think yeah, we did well, and I enjoyed it a lot!”, he said.

In 2026, Rovanperä will complete his transition to high-downforce single-seaters by competing in Super Formula – a challenge that will test both his adaptability and technical understanding.

“I think it will be hard,” Friesacher said. “Speed-wise, at the Red Bull Ring, he was quick. But the difficult part in racing is always the last three or four tenths.”

That final margin, he explained, often separates good from excellent in the circuit racing realm. While a driver can adapt quickly to reach a competitive baseline, extracting the final one thousandth of a second – especially over a race distance – requires deep technical understanding, confidence, and experience.

“You get very quickly to a certain point, but the last half a tenth — that’s the difficult part. But it won't be easy for him; it will be difficult,” he said.  

Motorsport history offers numerous examples of drivers who have successfully crossed disciplines, including Sir John Surtees, Mario Andretti, Petter Solberg, Stéphane Peterhansel, Sébastien Loeb, Mattias Ekström, and, more recently, Johan Kristoffersson.

All of these drivers have demonstrated remarkable versatility, adaptability, and mental resilience in achieving the success that they have across different disciplines.

The 45-year-old Austrian, now a resident instructor at the Red Bull Ring, has helped guide multiple world champions during their first experiences in Formula 1 machinery, including Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb.

 Patrick Friesacher explains the different features of the cockpit at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

With a wealth of experience as both a former Formula 1 driver and instructor, his advice to young drivers climbing the motorsport ladder remains simple.

“[Be] hard working, have a dream, reach your goals, and just go for it,” he said.

In motorsport, time is everything – the difference between first and last is often measured in thousandths of a second, because time is of the essence. And, when spending time with someone who has reached the very top of the motorsport pyramid, it offers something far more valuable: perspective. And as the world evolves, so too does the relentless pursuit of the perfect lap time.

*THIS CONTENT IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. NO UNAUTHORISED USE IS PERMITTED. PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE, AND FULL CREDIT TO SLIPSTREAM SA IS REQUIRED.

Heineken World Tour revvs up the Mother City with rare Formula 1 fan experience.

Patrick Friesacher, driving the Red Bull Racing RB8 at the Heineken World Tour. 
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

A song famously captivated the nation in 2010 as South Africa united for the FIFA World Cup, its lyrics echoing across the airwaves, ‘Tsamina mina, eh eh. Waka waka, eh eh. Tsamina mina zangalewa. This time for Africa’. Shakira and Freshlyground couldn’t have been any more accurate. The time for Cape Town is truly now, as the sound of a V8 Formula 1 car reverberated through the Green Point precinct during the Heineken World Tour. 

The full-day fan event transformed the venue into a fully immersive Formula 1 experience, blending live entertainment, the Qatar Grand Prix watchalong, interactive fan activities, which included simulators, and a Scalextrics track. Nevertheless, the main attraction remained the on-track demonstrations from Spinning, Drifting, and Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Taking center stage at the Heineken World Tour was the 2012 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB8, driven by former Formula 1 driver Patrick Friesacher, who visited Cape Town for the first time. 

Filmed by Slipstream SA

“It’s great to hear. It’s my first time in Cape Town, so really looking forward to it. Red Bull Racing has brought the World Championship-winning car, the RB8, from Sebastian Vettel,” Friesacher said. “And, for myself, it’s always a great pleasure to drive such a car. It gives me goosebumps, especially when you fire up the car. It’s something special.”

Friesacher is no stranger to South Africa, adding: “I’ve been twice to Kyalami with the Formula 1 two-seater, but that was a long time ago. That was back in 2005 and 2006.”

The purpose of the Heineken World Tour, according to Heineken South Africa’s Marketing Communication Manager Warrick Wyngaard, is to bring Formula 1’s atmosphere directly to fans outside of traditional race weekends.

“The Heineken World Tour is a global celebration that brings the thrill, style, and sophistication of Formula 1 directly to fans around the world. It’s far more than a typical race-day experience, it’s a full-day festival of speed, music, culture, and connection,” Wyngaard said. “It transforms city streets into a dynamic, high-octane playground where fans can immerse themselves in the authentic world of Formula 1 through live entertainment, interactive fan zones, and premium Heineken experiences.” 

Fans gather as the Red Bull RB8 is fired up before the first show run.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

Many fans in attendance cited the lack of opportunities to experience Formula 1 machinery in person as a key reason for attending the Heineken World Tour. Scuderia Ferrari supporter Grant ‘Scully’ van Schalkwyk described the event as a rare chance to engage with the sport at close range.

“So, we are at this event, purely because we don't see enough of these events in Cape Town, South Africa, and it was the first time in a very long time that we can actually get up close and personal with a Formula One car,” he said.

The sense of rarity has also reignited the long-standing discussions surrounding Formula One’s potential return to South Africa. Speaking to Slipstream SA, fans were unanimous in their desire to see the Formula One World Championship return to the country, although opinions differed on where the future Grand Prix should be hosted. 

With a very rich motorsport and Formula 1 heritage, South Africa hosted the first F1 Grand Prix in East London in 1961 before it moved to Kyalami, which went on to host a further 21 races before departing in 1993. In the years that followed, there were various bids, but momentum only increased when the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, replied to a social media comment, saying: “[..] my term will be a failure if I don’t bring one of the biggest sporting tourist events to South Africa, which is F1.” This statement sparked renewed debate, including the ideas of Cape Town Grand Prix, and the Wakanda City Grand Prix in the Eastern Cape; however, more recently, Kyalami Grand Prix circuit’s new owners confirmed that they have received FIA approval to proceed with Grade 1 status upgrades, which positions the venue as a strong candidate should Formula 1 return to South Africa. 

Simulators and a Scalextrics track were on hand for fans to enjoy. 
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

Whilst Kyalami works towards achieving FIA Grade 1 status (F1 standards), it’s worth reminding ourselves that legendary drivers, such as seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Jim Clark, all raced at the circuit. However, a question lingers, is historical value and significance truly enough to host Formula One, in view of the fact that Cape Town has demonstrated the ability to host visually appealing, street-based motorsport events, like Speed Classic Cape Town, F1 demonstrations, and the FIA Formula E World Championship in 2022, which has left a strong impression on fans and participants alike. 

Wilhelm Wasserman, a Red Bull Racing fan, said, “I like Formula 1, but there is no alternative to seeing a Formula 1 car in South Africa currently,” which truly highlights the importance of showcase events, such as the Heineken World Tour. He was also keen to mention the success of previous races, including the FIA Formula E event in Cape Town, as proof of the country's readiness to host top-tier motorsport. “We attended the Formula E event when it was here, and we loved it,” he added.

Other fans acknowledged Kyalami’s practical advantages while still recognising Cape Town’s appeal. Miguel Neto identified Johannesburg as the logical choice, but admitted the allure of Cape Town is difficult to ignore. Riaan Zeelie was more direct, describing the city as a natural destination for global motorsport events.

“I would like to have Formula 1 in Cape Town. We know it's currently in the ranks of having it in Jo’burg. But Cape Town is such an awesome place. If you need to go anywhere, you need to come to Cape Town. Cape Town is the place to be. Even if you have to move here, by all means, we will welcome you with open arms. Please, guys, come out,” Zeelie said.

Red Bull athlete Sam Sam spinning up a storm at the Heineken World Tour.

Video Copyright: Slipstream SA

Despite the excitement that surrounded the Cape Town event, Wyngaard was careful not to draw any links between the Heineken World Tour and a potential South African Grand Prix, stating that: “Heineken has a long-standing global partnership with Formula 1 (F1), and South Africa is an incredibly important market for us. At this stage, we’re not in a position to comment on any potential future race locations or the F1 calendar in general. Any announcements regarding future events would come directly from F1, in collaboration with the relevant local authorities, when appropriate.”

The maiden Heineken World Tour has showcased South Africa’s burning desire to once again host the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One, at the southernmost tip of Africa. Whether a return becomes reality remains to be seen, but Heineken has undeniably fueled a flame for what one day could be a reality.

The Set-Up with Steve Humble: A glance into the engineering behind hillclimb racing.

Steve Humble is making a setup adjustment on the March 79A at Speed Classic Cape Town.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

When you think motorsport, your first thoughts usually revolve around – the cars, the speed, the circuits, and the wheel-to-wheel action that it brings, but if you delve behind the detail, then do you discover the little intricacies that makes motorsport truly unique, areas such as: aerodynamics, gear ratios, etc. and last but certainly not least, the set-up. 

Perfecting each of these areas will help separate a quick car from a controllable one, and a fast driver from a confident one. 

Across motorsport’s many disciplines, excelling and setting yourself apart requires both speed and confidence in the car that you are driving. That makes set-up crucial — whether you’re fighting at the front for victories or bringing up the rear. 

If you look across the spectrum of motorsport, there is a vast array of disciplines. You have single-seater categories, such as Formula 1 and Formula E, which sit alongside endurance racing with GTPs, Hypercars, and GT3s, as well as off-road disciplines like Rallycross, rallying, and Rally-Raid. There’s also motorcycle racing — MotoGP, the Isle of Man TT — and, of course, hillclimb racing. A single-seater set-up cannot simply be transplanted into rallying or any other discipline. Each car requires a unique set-up approach to extract the most performance, which means set-up work is specific to every championship and series.

To provide you, our reader, a clearer understanding of ‘the set-up’, Slipstream SA will explore its intricacies across a range of championships — from hillclimbs to rallycross — starting with hillclimb racing.

Charles Arton is heading to the start line in his March 79A.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

Hillclimb racing is all about pushing a car to its limits along a course with unpredictable bumps, camber changes, and blind crests, which means every metre matters. That in turn means tuning a car for tight, technical sections while also accounting for aerodynamic performance and immediate tyre grip is essential.

Slipstream SA caught up with Steve Humble at Speed Classic Cape Town to gain insight into what it takes to set up a race car for hillclimb competition. There’s no better perspective than that of a seasoned mechanic and team principal, and Humble fits that bill.

Humble is the lead mechanic for Charles Arton, who drives a classic Formula Atlantic March 79A single-seater. 

“This is a March 79A, a former Formula Atlantic car, originally with a 1,600 BDA, now running a 2-litre BDG (engine). It’s actually an aero car, though we don’t run the full aero sidepods,” he explained.

The March 79A was developed in the late 1970s — an era defined by ground-effect experimentation, loud engines, and chassis built through a blend of hands-on development, racing knowledge, and early wind tunnel principles.

The sidepods on Charles Arton's March 79A, with the visible ground-effect skirt.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

In the period, the March 79A was designed for smooth, high-grip circuits with long straights and fast sweeping corners. But hillclimb racing is nothing like circuit racing. As Humble points out, "car setup is extremely difficult to define because everywhere is different. Hill climbing is different from a main circuit. The main circuit tends to be a lot smoother. Hill climb is always a compromise because there is zero time to warm anything up. So, what we are trying to achieve is instant heat and grip from the tyres. And the way we do that is by running softer setups and hopefully making the aero work as early as possible."

Humble explains that “car setup is extremely difficult to define because everywhere is different. Hill climbing is always a compromise because there is zero time to warm anything up. What we’re trying to achieve is instant heat and grip from the tyres. The way we do that is by running softer setups and hopefully making the aero work as early as possible.”

Where circuit racing often relies on downforce and tailored setups that suit the driver's needs, like more understeer or oversteer, a hillclimb car needs to generate confidence and grip from the very first corner. Every adjustment — from springs, dampers, camber, tyre pressures, wing angles — is aimed at responsiveness, agility, and generating driver confidence.

When asked what matters more — horsepower or setup — Humble’s answer was straightforward. “Raw horsepower means nothing if you can’t control it and keep it on the track,” he says. “You can have 1,000 horsepower or 100 horsepower; if you can’t control it, it’s basically useless.”

A good setup is about finding the perfect balance to give the driver good confidence, which will enable him or her to extract the maximum lap time achievable, but in order to get there, you may need to make a few compromises. 

“It’s a compromise all the time,” Humble says. “You have to take into account springs, anti-roll bars, caster, camber, differential settings, aero, and whether the car actually responds to any of those changes. If it doesn’t, then you’re just battling a flexible car.”

A flexible car is something no driver wants, but at times, they have to deal with it. Forcing a driver to underdrive due to a lack of feeling, which results in a lack of confidence, making it harder to push to the desired limit.

Charles Arton smiles ahead of his final run up the mountain.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

Ultimately, a great set-up is built around the driver. “You should always set a car up for a driver, so when the driver comes back, he turns around and says to you, the car is better than he is. That way, you know you are actually in the ballpark, because when a driver comes back and says the car is trying to kill him, then you are not in the ballpark,” Humble explains.

Driver feedback becomes the lifeblood of performance. Without it, set-up work devolves into educated guesswork. “A large portion of it isn’t just guesswork, it’s experience,” he says. “I’ve been doing single-seaters for 30-odd years. A lot of it crosses over, and then it’s a matter of fine-tuning.”

To the layman, a set-up might simply mean tweaking a car to make it faster, but in reality, it is far more complex. As Humble explains: “There's the aero, and you've got to make sure that your weight distribution is correct front to rear, not just side to side. So, the corner weight of the car, I guess, is very important. You also have to make sure that you've got the right amount of weight front to rear. You can't corner weight balance the front axle, but still have too much weight on the rear. Otherwise, no matter how good the car is, if you don't have enough weight on each axle, then you're not going to get any grip out of it.”

A detail many overlook, yet Humble reminds just how razor-thin the margins can be: “Half a kilo can make a difference with a single-seater.”

For most teams, a baseline set-up acts as a compass — a known, stable configuration that provides a direction to begin with. “You can only get a track-specific setup with a driver that can actually give you the information. So, experience will give you a baseline setup that works on most single-seaters. I've got a baseline setup that I know works on most single-seaters, but then it's down to the driver to tell me what the car's doing. So, we can then fine-tune or move forward from that point, or backwards, as the case may be,” he explained.

At a hillclimb, those fine adjustments begin even before the engine fires. “We need to know whether it’s got the right gear ratios, whether you're having to gear up or gear down for a corner, or whether you can hold it through the corner and in the right rev range,” he says. “Because if you're changing down mid-corner, or you're having to change up mid-corner, you're not right with your gear ratios, which means that the chassis is then having to do things or cope with things that it shouldn't have to do.”

Unlike modern single-seaters, the March 79A does not have a data logger or an ECU to gather data, which means everything is analogue – and everything is based on feel. “This car’s from the 1970s,” Humble says. “There’s no computer data coming out of it for me.” That places the responsibility squarely on driver feedback and mechanical understanding — the kind of engineering that existed long before laptops entered the pitlane.

Charles Arton on route to the start line at Speed Classic Cape Town.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

With a clear understanding of just how crucial the set-up of a racing car is for hillclimb racing, we asked Steve Humble what fans most often misunderstand about a car set-up, to which he explains: “Tyre pressures and tyre temperatures. People don’t understand the need for accuracy. They use cheap gauges and assume they’re correct.”

It’s a worthy reminder that setup work isn’t always about big budgets or sophisticated technology — sometimes it’s about the experience and knowledge that you’ve gathered over a decade to help the driver find a direction that will make him or her comfortable with the car.

Humble offers one final piece of advice to aspiring drivers, in relation to set-up work, and said: “Find yourself a good team with an engineer that actually does know what he's talking about.”

With a clearer understanding of the intricacies behind setting up a car for hillclimb racing, attention now turns to the next installment, where Slipstream SA aims to explore many other motorsport disciplines – from off-road to circuit racing – as we reveal how the pursuit of a perfect lap, or race, begins long before the car hits the track.

Red Bull Racing roared through Cape Town as Heineken turned Green Point into a full-throttle F1 Festival

Image Credit: Junaid Samodien

Cape Town didn’t just host an event — it felt the shockwave of Formula 1 culture exploding through Green Point as the Heineken® World Tour transformed the precinct into a high-adrenaline fusion of V8 thunder, street-festival energy and world-class spectacle. With the unmistakable scream of a real F1 car echoing between the Cape Town Stadium, buildings and thousands packing the streets, the city briefly felt like it had its own Grand Prix.

Thousands of spectators lined the area for what became one of the most significant F1-themed activations South Africa has seen in years. At the heart of the action was former Formula 1 driver and long-time Red Bull Racing demo ace Patrick Friesacher, who headlined the motorsport programme with a rare and crowd-shaking appearance in the 2012 Red Bull Racing RB8.

The RB8—famous for carrying Sebastian Vettel to the 2012 World Championship—was one of the last V8-powered Formula 1 cars and remains a fan favourite for its raw sound and aggressive aerodynamics. Friesacher put on multiple high-intensity runs, lighting up Green Point with burnouts, accelerations and the unmistakable scream of the Renault RS27 V8, giving fans a visceral reminder of the sport’s pre-hybrid era. It marked one of the few times in recent years that an F1 car of that generation has run publicly on South African soil, making it a major highlight of the day.

Alongside Friesacher, Red Bull’s senior race support crew—including one of the team’s veteran mechanics (insert name)—held technical demonstrations that gave fans a close-up look at the precision, choreography and engineering excellence behind modern Formula 1 operations. For many spectators, getting within arm’s reach of a championship-winning machine was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The event also celebrated South African motorsport flair, with local drifting favourite Samkeliso “Sam Sam” Thubane wowing the crowd with tyre-smoke theatrics and crowd-pleasing sideways showmanship.

From morning to night, the venue pulsed with energy thanks to a stacked entertainment lineup featuring Cassper Nyovest, DJ Natasa, Themba, Kamo Mphela, YoungstaCPT, the Cape Minstrels, and DJ Fresh. Immersive fan zones—including simulators, reaction games and VR experiences—turned the precinct into a hybrid of racetrack, concert arena and lifestyle hub. Veteran presenters Robert Marawa, Anele Mdoda and Scoop Makhathini kept the adrenaline flowing with their trademark charisma.

In classic Heineken® style, fans gathered at the Heineken® House to watch a live stream of the Qatar Grand Prix, transforming the venue into a festival-style viewing zone as cheers echoed through Green Point. For many, it was a rare chance to share a Grand Prix weekend in a massive, real-world community of fans.

Alexander Drake, Head of Heineken® South Africa, said the day showcased the power of Formula 1 to spark culture and connection.

“You could feel the energy from the moment the engines fired up. F1 has a unique ability to spark culture and community, and seeing Cape Town own that moment was incredible. This was a clear statement about where we’re going as a brand and what fans can expect from us,” Drake said.

A surprise hit among attendees was the appearance of Heineken’s mysterious helmeted showman, who roamed the venue with high-energy antics that quickly became a social-media favourite.

Heineken®’s approach to the Cape Town stop reflected the brand’s global philosophy of merging motorsport with lifestyle culture—an approach that has defined its F1® partnerships across the season through TV, digital campaigns, limited bottle editions and nationwide activations.

Drake says the event signals the brand’s commitment to delivering richer, more premium motorsport experiences: “Heineken® isn’t here to follow the trend. We’re here to create the moment. With F1, we’re proud to be building a brand that gives fans the world-class experiences they love.”

If anything, the Cape Town stop underscored Heineken®’s ambition to deliver world-class experiences to the South African public. The brand isn’t simply staging events — it’s cultivating a market with the appetite, culture and energy to rival major fan hubs worldwide. By merging racing heritage, premium entertainment and immersive fan engagement, Heineken® is signalling that South Africa is ready for more headline-worthy Formula 1 moments, and the brand intends to be at the centre of that growth.

Racing Redefined: How Guy Davies turned adversity into speed — and proved that disability isn’t a barrier to equal competition

Guy Davies en route to the start line in his Liqui Moly Porsche 911 Carrera II.
PHOTO CREDIT: Speed Classic Cape Town.

Every so often, a driver reminds the world what motorsport is really about. At the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town, that driver was Guy Davies. Paralyzed from the waist down after an old rugby injury, the Scottish-born driver turned heads not just for his speed, but for the story behind it. With hand controls and an unbreakable will, he powered his daily-driven Porsche up the 1.8-kilometre Philip Kgosana Drive hillclimb — proving that passion for speed doesn’t fade with circumstance. It simply finds a new way to shift gears.

Originally from Scotland, Davies moved to South Africa in 1995. Back then, his focus was business — exporting Rooibos tea and Buchu — not racing. But in 2000, a rugby injury changed everything. “After my disability, I was quite depressed, thought that my life was over. You then realise that you actually are the same person, and you've got the same hopes and desires as before, you just have to approach things a bit differently.”

That revelation became a turning point. Racing, once a youthful passion, became a mission. “This is about showing that people with disabilities can compete equally,” he explains. “Give us the right adaptations, and we’ll match anyone.” His times at Speed Classic Cape Town weren’t a sideshow; they stood tall among the best — and told a story far bigger than lap times ever could. 

In 2025, at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, Davies didn’t just compete — he claimed third in his category, driving his 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera II. It wasn’t a purpose-built racecar trailered in; it was his daily driver, modified with hand-controls, driven to the event, raced, and driven home — with over 217,466 kilometres on the clock.

For Davies, racing is deeply personal. His wife survived breast cancer and leukaemia. “It focuses the mind a lot,” he says. “It’s about carpe diem — seize the day. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Enjoy life while you can. It’s a celebration of life.” Her resilience fuels him. “She supports me from home.”

Davies in his Porsche after completing his final run at Speed Classic Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

His Porsche may be comparatively modest in specification, but it’s monumental in meaning. “It’s the base coupe — the slowest, least powerful one,” he explains. “All we added were hand controls. So, you pull to accelerate, and push to brake. I maintain that I’ve actually got more control than most people have with their feet. And, it’s easy to get used to.”

Guy adds that his engineering team is currently working on converting a Subaru. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to run two cars next year,” he says. “This one will be a bit different, as it’s a manual — so we’re fitting a clutch onto the gear change.”

Despite the limitations that a wheelchair presents, once in his car, it becomes the great equaliser. As he explains, “once you're behind the wheel of a car, the disability disappears. When I'm driving on the road, I'm just the same as everyone else. I'm just another car, another driver. The difference is I'm better than them.”

Davies wants people to see the normality behind the wheel. “Just because I'm in a wheelchair, people shouldn't see me any differently. A wheelchair is purely a mobility device. That's all it is to it.” Yet ignorance persists. “I will have complete strangers come up to me and say, ‘oh, what a waste of a nice car on someone like you. You ought to give it to me. A cripple like you can't drive a car, can't enjoy a car like this.’ Rather than just telling those people to bugger off, now I can turn around and say, ‘well, okay, you go, and have a go at the Speed Classic Cape Town event. Go and do a time, come back and tell me if you can beat my time.’”

Every run is more than a test of speed — it’s a statement of equality. Before his accident, Davies was a six-foot-two male who rarely noticed inequality. Being in a wheelchair changed that instantly. “If you're a white male, 6-foot-2, nobody pushes in the queue in front of you, and you think that's normal. And, all of a sudden, I was in a wheelchair, and I remember coming home saying, bloody people are pushing in front of me in the queue. And, my five-foot-two wife said, ‘join the real world, it happens all the time.’” That awareness deepened when he and his wife adopted their daughter, who faces discrimination as a person of colour, and as he sees the challenges women encounter daily. These experiences have shaped both the person he is off the track and the racer.

Off the track, Davies runs his accessibility consultancy, lectures part-time at the University of Cape Town, and still finds time to chase podiums. His racing carries even greater purpose: a friend invited him to drive in memory of his grandson Jack — a young boy with severe disabilities who tragically passed away. “Jack comes with me in every race,” Davies says, showing a photo on the back of his phone - “He’s my co-pilot.”

Applause from fans as Guy Davies returns from a run up the hill at Speed Classic Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: Speed Classic Cape Town

At Speed Classic Cape Town, Davies hit his goal. “I wanted to be under 50 seconds — and I am. I’m really pleased,” he says, smiling. His 49.674-second run placed him fifth overall in the A2 category.

From Simola to Killarney MasterDrive and now Speed Classic Cape Town, he’s already eyeing the next challenge. “If there are more hillclimbs, sign me up.”

Guy Davies reminds us that racing is never just about speed — it’s about courage, purpose, and equality. Every hill he climbs, every lap he completes, is a testament to what happens when determination meets opportunity. His story isn’t just for motorsport fans; it’s a lesson for anyone facing obstacles: adapt, persist, and rise. Sometimes, the most extraordinary victories aren’t measured in seconds or metres — they’re measured in the human spirit that drives us forward.

If you'd like to follow Guy's next adventure and see where the road takes him next, head over to Instagram @guydavies41 for updates behind-the-scenes moments, and more. 

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.