5 things to look forward to at the 2026 Festival of Speed

Getting closer than ever before with FOS Fan Zone

That all-new attraction is the FOS Fan Zone, a place where motorsport enthusiasts can indulge their passion with exclusive access to the world’s biggest names. The FOS Fan Zone stage will host Q&As, podcasts and panels throughout the four days of the event, so you can stop by every day for a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to thrive at the top.

Moreover, you’ll be able to test your skills behind the wheel of the FOS Fan Zone sim rigs, purchase exclusive merch and enjoy incredible photo opportunities. All of that is included as part of your entry ticket, so stay tuned to find out more about what to expect from the FOS Fan Zone.

Feeling the tension with ‘The Rivals’

Each year the Festival of Speed’s celebrations are centred around a theme, and the tension is rising in 2026 as we focus on ‘The Rivals — Epic Racing Duels’. Be it on two wheels or four, from the rally stage or the racetrack, ‘The Rivals’ batch that will headline the action on the Festival of Speed Hill will encompass some of motorsport’s greatest rivalries, with a special focus on two in particular.

The 2026 event coincides with the 60^th anniversary of the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, a race that saw the culmination of Ford’s epic battle with Ferrari when its GT MkIIs took an astounding 1-2-3 finish, and those three cars will reunite on the Hill for a rare demonstration. This year also marks 50 years since James Hunt won the Formula 1 World Championship, and his rivalry with Niki Lauda that spanned that 1976 campaign will also be remembered at the Festival of Speed. And that’s just the start, the pressure will certainly be rising on the Hill as it showcases motorsport history at its highest intensity.

Remembering Barry Sheene’s incredible career

Goodwood’s year-long Barry Sheene festivities marks the first time a single celebration will span all three motorsport events, and after honouring the bikes of ‘The Sheene Years’ at the 83^rd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport, the baton will be handed over to the Festival of Speed, where we’ll be remembering Sheene’s Championship-winning machines across the breadth of his career.

Sheene won two World Championships and 23 Grands Prix, and around ten of the most significant bikes ridden by the motorcycle legend will be showcased each day on the Hill. Sheene himself went up the Goodwood Hill at the 2000 Festival of Speed, so to see the bikes upon which he made his name tackle that same terrain will certainly be an emotional sight, as we reflect on Sheene’s enduring legacy.

Celebrating Damon Hill’s Championship anniversary

It’s hard to believe it’s now 30 years since Damon Hill crossed the finish line at the Japanese Grand Prix to become the F1 World Champion. It’s perhaps even more remarkable that he achieved the feat given that his first love was bikes, not cars, and that he didn’t start racing on four-wheels until he was 24 years of age.

But Hill made history with Williams in 1996, achieving what many thought would be impossible to become the first son of a World Champion to achieve the same success. It was a hugely emotional moment, made even more iconic thanks to Murray Walker’s famous commentary, and those memories will come flooding back at the Festival of Speed, where Hill will be venerated on the Balcony on the Saturday. He will also be in action on the Hill throughout the event, with his chariot of choice still to be revealed.

Taking in Singer’s Central Feature

The Central Feature is, as it sounds, the centre point of celebrations at the Festival of Speed, located directly in front of Goodwood House. But it’s never hard to miss, given the scale that designer Gerry Judah’s sculptures take. This year the honour goes to Singer, the Californian company famous for its reimaginings of classic Porsches, all in the name of ‘a relentless pursuit of excellence’.

Founded in 2009, Singer’s mission is to reimagine what might have been if Porsche’s original designers had access to 21^st century technology. Over 15 years on, the Festival of Speed has been the site of many a debut for Singer’s creations, and this cultivated relationship takes its next step with Singer as the Central Feature’s celebrated marque. We’ll have more updates on Singer’s activities at the 2026 Festival of Speed, but for now we’re content to imagine just what artistic creation will touch the skies over Goodwood House.

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are on sale. Saturday and four-day passes are now sold out and Friday tickets are limited. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.

Main image photography by Tom Baigent