NICOLE DONKER-TORRES Debuts Pink ‘Rosie’ at Simola Hillclimb

July 6, 2026

• NICOLE DONKER-TORRES, 24-year-old social worker from Gauteng, launched custom-built pink Formula Vee ‘Rosie’ at 2026 Simola Hillclimb, finishing fourth in class C1 with 52.516-second qualifying time despite gear selection issues.
• DONKER-TORRES and business partner Theo Vermaak developing affordable women’s Formula Vee single-seater series launching 2027, using VW turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine to make entry-level racing accessible for young girls.
• Racing family pedigree evident as DONKER-TORRES follows father Graham’s footsteps from karting through various formulas, making Simola debut with minimal Formula Vee experience—just five laps prior year.
• Hillclimb format proved challenging transition from circuit racing—single qualifying runs versus multiple practice laps. DONKER-TORRES embraced crowd engagement, inspiring young girls who mobbed pink ‘Rosie’ throughout King of the Hill weekend.

formula vee, simola hillclimb, single seater