The best photos from the 2026 Festival of Speed

09th July 2026

Simon Ostler

And just like that, the first day of the 2026 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard has come to an end. We've soaked up the rays and revelled in the atmosphere as the world’s greatest car event got off to a spectacular start.

Everything from the Duke of Richmond’s Hill-opening ride in the DLS Turbo Reimagined by Singer to the historic announcement of the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America, this was a day that will be forever remembered.

We got to enjoy our first action over on the Forest Rally Stage presented by Subaru, which offers a unique challenge as the dust flies in the wake of the Festival of Speed’s bravest drivers. The Cartier Style et Luxe looked resplendent in the summer sun, and Hill was once again abuzz with the greatest collection of cars, bikes and more that you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Travis Pastrana put on the quite the show for us in his outrageous Brataroo 9500 Turbo, but the pace came down a notch as the remarkable Salvesen Steam Wagonette made its way up Hill.

It was a lot of fun out there today, and we can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow, when reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris will be joining us along with many other huge motorsport names.