2026 Festival of Speed Theme Announced
The Theme: The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels
Goodwood has revealed the theme for the 2026 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, and it could not be more perfectly aligned with what our guests love most about motorsport: emotion, jeopardy and drama. In 2026, the world’s most famous automotive garden party will celebrate “The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels” – the story of motorsport told through its fiercest competitions and most iconic showdowns.
At Salone Events, we specialise in motorsport-led experiences that go beyond watching cars on a track. The 2026 theme gives us an incredible narrative canvas to design unforgettable hospitality and private itineraries for both corporate and individual clients.
A festival built around legendary rivalries
From the first announcement, it’s clear that Goodwood will lean all the way into the mythology of rivalry – those moments when two teams or two drivers define an era.
Across four action-packed days, the 2026 Festival of Speed will bring to life some of the greatest duels in motorsport history. Expect stories of bitter enmity and respectful combat, of titles decided by the finest margins, and of personalities so strong they changed the sport forever. On two wheels and four, on the Hill, in rally stages and paddocks, the focus will be on the clashes that turned fast cars into legends.
Headline rivalries: Hunt vs Lauda and Ford vs Ferrari
Two rivalries in particular will sit at the heart of the 2026 celebrations.
First, Goodwood will mark the 50th anniversary of James Hunt and Niki Lauda’s unforgettable battle for the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship. Their fight – played out in torrential rain, political controversy and razor-thin points margins – has transcended motorsport and entered popular culture. At Festival of Speed 2026, guests will be able to reconnect with that extraordinary season in a way that only Goodwood can deliver: cars, drivers and stories all in one place.
Second, the Festival will pay tribute to the legendary Ford vs Ferrari saga that came to a head at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours. After years of tension between Detroit and Maranello, Ford’s GT40 finally toppled Ferrari’s dominance in spectacular fashion. For anyone who loved the Ford v Ferrari film or has ever dreamt of Le Mans glory, this storyline alone makes 2026 a very special year to attend.
More rivalries will be revealed in the coming months, but Goodwood has already confirmed that a dedicated batch on the Hill will be curated specifically to tell the story of motorsport’s greatest contests. Fans can expect to see machinery from Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbikes, IndyCar, World Endurance Championship, Isle of Man TT, World Rally Championship and major touring car series all represented in this narrative.
Dates for the diary: 9th-12th July 2026
The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place from 9th – 12th July 2026. With the theme now live and tickets on sale, this is the perfect moment to start planning your hospitality, incentive or private trip.
For corporate clients, this date window sits beautifully in the summer calendar – ideal for mid-year reward trips, leadership away days or relationship-building with key customers. For private guests, it’s an opportunity to build a long weekend around Goodwood, the South Downs and the best of British summer.
What this means for Salone Events guests
“The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels” is more than a theme; it’s a ready-made story arc for a luxury event. It allows us to:
Salone Events offers fully tailored Goodwood itineraries, which can include:
• Premium hospitality and grandstand access for the best views of the Hillclimb.
• Private transfers, chauffeurs and, where suitable, helicopter or luxury vehicle arrivals.
• Boutique or five-star accommodation in the surrounding area, with restaurant reservations and after-hours experiences.
• Branded touches – from bespoke itineraries and lanyards to curated gifting – that align with your company identity.
• On-the-ground event management, so your only job is to enjoy the day with your guests.
Because we specialise in motorsport and luxury events, we understand how to balance fan-level access with a polished, high-end experience. Whether your group is deeply knowledgeable about racing or simply loves the spectacle, we build the day around what will resonate most.
If you want us to curate you a bespoke itinerary please contact us.
Why book early for 2026
With such a strong theme and a mid-July date, demand for Festival of Speed 2026 is expected to be extremely high. Early planning gives you:
• Access to the best hospitality options and hotels, which are often fully committed well in advance.
• Time to weave the rivalry storytelling into your broader event objectives, whether that’s client engagement, internal motivation or a private celebration.
• Space to build a complete experience around Goodwood – think supercar touring, vineyard lunches, coastal drives or additional motorsport elements across the same week.
Partner with Salone Events for Festival of Speed 2026
If you are considering Goodwood Festival of Speed as the centrepiece for a 2026 event, now is the moment to start the conversation.
Salone Events can act as your single point of contact – from securing hospitality and accommodation, to designing an itinerary that makes full use of the “Rivals” narrative and delivering a flawlessly hosted experience on the day.
To explore a bespoke Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 package for your company, your clients or your private group, get in touch with the Salone Events team. Together, we’ll turn one of motorsport’s most exciting themes into an unforgettable live experience for you and your guests.
You can view the Press Release from Goodwood about the 2026 Festival of Speed theme here.