Goodwood today announces the theme for the 2026 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard: ‘The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels’. Set to take place from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July 2026, the event will pay tribute to some of the most legendary rivalries in motorsport history. Early bird tickets are now available at.
The Festival of Speed theme serves as the backbone of the event, weaving together the cars, bikes, drivers, riders, teams, and manufacturers that descend on Goodwood each year. In 2026, this theme will shine a spotlight on the fiercest, most captivating competitions that have defined racing, celebrating the emotion, intensity, and sheer human endeavour that sit at the heart of motorsport.
Motorsport is defined by its rivalries—those head-to-head battles that capture the imagination and push both people and machines to their absolute limits. The 2026 Festival of Speed will mark several iconic anniversaries, including 60 years since Ford’s muscle cars took on Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 50 years since James Hunt and Niki Lauda waged their legendary Formula 1 duel for the 1976 World Championship.
Across the weekend, a specially curated collection of cars and bikes will tackle the famous Goodwood Hill, illustrating the spirit of motorsport’s “Epic Racing Duels.” Visitors can expect appearances from competitors spanning Formula 1, MotoGP, Grand Prix racing, the World Endurance Championship, WorldSBK, the Isle of Man TT, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, and Touring Cars.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL said:
“Over the years, Goodwood has seen some fierce competition, whether in the early days of the circuit, when the all-time greats were battling it out, or in more recent years on the famous Goodwood Hill. With that in mind, next year’s Festival of Speed will capture the drama and intensity of motorsport’s greatest contests as we celebrate ‘The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels.’ The event will bring to life such rivalries as that of James Hunt and Niki Lauda, whose epic encounters, particularly in 1976, are now the stuff of legend.”
Further details about the 2026 Festival of Speed, including attending vehicles and competitors, will be announced in the coming months.
Book now and save
Fans can take advantage of the early bird ticket window to secure their place at next summer’s most spectacular celebration of speed, skill, and sporting rivalry. Tickets are available at goodwood.com.
