Electric Vehicles Shine at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Highlights and Top Performances
The 2026 edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed has recently concluded, showcasing impressive performances from electric vehicles. The Ford Super Mustang Mach-E, driven by Romain Dumas, set the fastest hillclimb time at 41.97 seconds. Following closely was the Formula E Gen4 car driven by Dan Ticktum, clocking in at 42.46 seconds. The third spot was secured by the Shadow DN4, a Can-Am racer with an 8.1-liter Chevrolet V8 engine, completing the course in 46.30 seconds.
Electric vehicles excel in hillclimb events due to their instant torque, allowing for quick acceleration out of corners. The short 1.16-mile course enables EVs to showcase their performance without facing issues like battery overheating or added weight disadvantages that could arise in longer races. In previous years, the all-electric Ford SuperTruck and SuperVan, both driven by Romain Dumas, also dominated the hillclimb, while the McMurtry Spéirling holds the all-time record with a time of 39.08 seconds in 2022.
The top 10 performers at this year's event included drivers like Johan Kristoffersson in a Volkswagen Polo WRX, Jordan Pepper in a BMW M3 Touring 24H, Travis Pastrana in a Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, and others showcasing their skills on the challenging course. The festival also featured exciting debuts such as the Lexus LFA Concept, the Hennessey Venom F5-M, and the Zenvo Aurora Tur, highlighting cutting-edge technology and performance in the automotive industry.
Looking ahead, the Goodwood Revival event, scheduled for September 18–20, 2026, will shift its focus to historic and classic cars, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the rich heritage of automotive excellence. The Goodwood Festival of Speed continues to be a premier gathering for motorsport enthusiasts and industry professionals, showcasing the latest innovations and achievements in the world of automotive performance.