Spectacular Goodwood Revival Highlights That Made the 2026 Season Unforgettable

The 2026 Goodwood Revival presented by DUNLOP brought Goodwood’s motorsport season to a spectacular close. Indeed, throughout the weekend of 18 to 20 September, the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit once again mixed exceptional cars, famous drivers, period fashion and close racing.

This year, however, Italy took centre stage. The La Dolce Vita theme added Italian flair across the event, while a major celebration marked 100 years of Maserati racing. More than 300 classic scooters also joined the action, while several motorsport legends received special tributes.

There was plenty for serious car fans, too. The three 1966 Le Mans-winning Ford GT MkIIs returned to Goodwood, the RAC TT Celebration provided a dramatic finale, and a packed Bonhams auction added another layer of automotive excitement.

Here are the key 2026 Goodwood Revival highlights.

La Dolce Vita brings Italian style to Goodwood

Goodwood Revival has always combined historic racing with period atmosphere. In 2026, that atmosphere took its inspiration from post-war Italy.

The La Dolce Vita theme celebrated Italian culture, fashion and motoring. The centrepiece was Maserati, which marked a century of racing heritage at the event.

Maserati’s motorsport story began in 1926. Alfieri Maserati drove a Tipo 26 to a class victory at the Targa Florio, establishing the foundation for a remarkable competition history.

Goodwood celebrated that history with a collection of significant Maserati racing cars. The line-up included the A6GCS, 250F, 300S and Tipo 61 ‘Birdcage’. Their different shapes and racing roles showed how Maserati evolved across several decades of competition.

The Italian theme continued away from the main racing programme.

More than 300 pre-1967 scooters joined the Track Opening Parade. Vespas, Lambrettas and other Italian classics filled the circuit while the famous Vespa Acrobats added some spectacular two-wheeled entertainment.

At the Turning Circle, visitors could enjoy the sights and sounds of post-war Italy. It gave the Revival a stylish change of pace between the racing action.

Ford GT MkII trio returns to Goodwood

Few moments could match seeing all three Ford GT MkIIs together again.

The cars famously finished first, second and third at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their reunion at Goodwood Revival marked the 60th anniversary of Ford’s historic victory.

Visitors could see the trio on the DUNLOP stand in Earls Court. They also returned to the circuit, recreating their famous Le Mans finishing order on track.

A remarkable group of drivers took turns behind the wheel. The line-up included Derek Bell, Scott Dixon, Benoît Tréluyer, Jimmie Johnson, Tom Kristensen, André Lotterer, Hélio Castroneves, Marcel Fässler and Emanuele Pirro.

For fans of historic racing, it was one of the weekend’s most significant displays.

The Ford GT MkII remains closely linked with one of the defining moments in endurance racing. Bringing all three cars together at Goodwood Revival gave visitors a rare chance to see that history recreated in a setting built around the golden age of motorsport.

Goodwood Revival racing reaches a dramatic finale

Historic racing remains the heart of the Goodwood Revival. The 2026 event delivered another packed programme of competition cars from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Goodwood also confirmed that all racing took place using sustainable fuel.

The biggest race of the weekend was the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) TT Celebration presented by DUNLOP.

The race featured a remarkable collection of international talent. Former Formula 1 World Champions Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve were joined by IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and four-time Indy 500 winner Hélio Castroneves.

Castroneves was making his historic racing debut at the Revival.

André Lotterer and Lukas Halusa ultimately took victory.

Goodwood also changed the Sunday format for 2026. The RAC TT Celebration became the final race of the weekend, giving the event a clear build-up towards its biggest track moment. The new format then led into the first Revival Closing Party.

Once the chequered flag fell, spectators could enter the circuit for live music, dancing and entertainment. Dandy Wellington and his Harlem jazz band helped bring the weekend to a lively close.

More historic racing delivers plenty of variety

The RAC TT may have been the headline act, but it was far from the only race worth watching.

The St. Mary’s Trophy presented by Motul attracted another impressive collection of drivers. David Brabham, Jenson Button, Karun Chandhok, António Félix da Costa, Dario Franchitti, Jimmie Johnson, André Lotterer, Andy Priaulx and Gordon Shedden all took part.

The two-part race featured Jaguar Mk2s, Ford-Lotus Cortinas and Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAs. Romain Dumas and Fred Shepherd claimed the Sunday victory.

The Lavant Cup returned with a particularly glamorous grid of 1950s Ferrari and Maserati sportscars. Richard Wilson won in a Maserati 250S.

Meanwhile, the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy brought Jaguar E-types, Aston Martin DB4GTs and Ferrari 250 SWBs together. Alexander Van Der Lof and Yelmer Buurman took the win.

Two-wheel action also played a major role. Tom Booth-Amos and Ben Kingham won the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy on a Vincent Black Shadow.

Even younger competitors had their moment. Joshua Pearce won the Settrington Cup, with children racing miniature Austin J40 cars around the circuit.

A special year for Jack Brabham and Barry Sheene

The 2026 Revival also celebrated two major figures from British and international motorsport.

The event marked the centenary of Sir Jack Brabham’s birth and 60 years since he won his third Formula 1 World Championship.

Goodwood also completed a year-long celebration of Barry Sheene. The 2026 Revival marked 50 years since Sheene’s first World Championship triumph.

The tribute followed earlier celebrations at the 83rd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport and the Festival of Speed.

These tributes added more depth to an event already built around racing history. Instead of treating the past as something static, the Revival continues to put legendary drivers, cars and motorcycles back in motion.

DUNLOP begins a new Goodwood partnership

The 2026 Revival also marked the beginning of a new chapter with DUNLOP.

DUNLOP became the first presenting partner of the Goodwood Revival, bringing together two names with a shared history that stretches back to 1948. DUNLOP was among the original sponsors of the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

The partnership had a strong presence throughout the weekend. Its Earls Court display featured the three Ford GT MkIIs from the 1966 Le Mans victory.

DUNLOP also presented the RAC TT Celebration, giving the new partnership a fitting role in the weekend’s headline race.

Historic aircraft take to the Goodwood skies

Cars and motorcycles may dominate the Revival, but the event has always had room for aviation.

The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams brought together historic aircraft from around the world.

The 2026 concours marked the 90th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire and the 80th anniversary of the de Havilland Chipmunk. The collection focused on aircraft built before 1966.

The 1947 Le Vier Cosmic Wind received the Best in Show award. A 1955 Cessna 170B finished second.

It added another dimension to a weekend where historic engineering appeared both on the circuit and above it.

Revive & Thrive keeps the focus on craftsmanship

The Revival’s appeal extends beyond racing. Its Revive & Thrive programme reached its fifth year in 2026.

The Workshop featured classes and demonstrations led by craftspeople, artisans and restoration experts. Dominic Chinea from The Repair Shop curated the programme, with a focus on reducing, reusing, repairing, restoring and recycling.

The Revival Style Stage added fashion, beauty and heritage-focused talks. It also featured live entertainment, vintage shopping and appearances from guests including Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Stephen Libby, Dame Zandra Rhodes and Golda Rosheuvel.

The result was a weekend where classic cars shared the spotlight with clothing, craftsmanship and design.

Bonhams auction adds serious value

The Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction provided another attraction for collectors.

Among the headline sales were:

• 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS – £310,500
• 1936 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model – £345,000
• 1912 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges – £195,500
• 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III – £143,750

The auction demonstrated the continued appeal of significant historic cars, from elegant pre-war machinery to desirable British and Italian classics.

Goodwood Revival 2026: the season ends in style

The 2026 Goodwood Revival brought together almost everything that makes historic motorsport special.

There were priceless racing cars, famous drivers, legendary motorcycles and historic aircraft. There was also fashion, music, craftsmanship and a generous helping of Italian style.

Most importantly, the racing remained at the centre of the weekend. The RAC TT Celebration gave the 2026 Revival a dramatic final chapter, while the Ford GT MkII reunion and Maserati centenary added two memorable pieces of motorsport history.

The event also supported the Goodwood Education Trust, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026. The charity promotes outdoor learning and helps children connect with nature.

What comes next?

The 2027 Goodwood Revival presented by DUNLOP will take place from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 September 2027. Tickets are already on sale, according to Goodwood.

After another remarkable Revival, the question is simple: which 2026 car would you most like to have seen racing at Goodwood? Was the Maserati celebration your highlight, or did the Ford GT MkII reunion steal the show? Let us know in the comments.

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