South African motoring fanatic Pieter Jourbert passed away after crashing his Lotus during the Simola Hillclimb event on Sunday, event organisers confirmed.
Joubert was on his first run of the day during the ‘King of the Hill’ session when he lost control of the V8 Mercedes AMG powered race car on an uphill straight.
Joubert veered off the road and crashed at over 200km/h and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Joubert family was in attendance at Simola Hillclimb at the time of the accident.
Family at the scene
“We are exceptionally saddened by this incident and our thoughts and condolences are with Pieter’s family, team and friends.
Pieter’s brothers Dawie and Charl, who have also been competing, have expressed their wishes that we continue the event,” Managing Director of Knysa Speed Festival Ian Shrosbree said.
His yellow Lotus Exige was a stand out vehicle for not only its colour, but also for its famous AMG swap.
He told Race day in 2022 that the car was built by Quinten Boylan and Herceles Van Wyk. The motor from his Lotus came out of a SLS AMG teamed up with an Albins Gearbox which was imported from Australia.
Tributes for Joubert was poured in since his passing a short while ago with the event expected to continue, no doubt with a grim cloud hanging over the hill.
Everyone present held a moment of silence for Joubert on Sunday before the event resumes.
