2025 Festival of Speed Showcases Eclectic Drift Cars and Talents

The 2025 Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard, has commenced, featuring an impressive lineup of seven unique cars in its 'Catch My Drift' class. This year's festival, held in Goodwood, England, is notable for the variety of machines participating, each showcasing incredible drifting capabilities. The event runs from July 13 to July 16, 2025, drawing motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.

Among the standout entries is Mad Mike Whiddett, a veteran of the Goodwood festival, who pilots a twin-turbo, four-rotor Mazda FD RX-7 known as 'HUMBUL.' Whiddett's expertise in drifting has earned him a reputation for creating spectacular displays of tire smoke, often drawing attention from miles away. "It's almost as if he needs no windscreen at all, given how often he drifts with his head out of the window," remarked race commentator and motorsport analyst, Tom Richards, from the University of Motorsport Studies at Oxford University.

Steve Biagioni and James Deane, both seasoned competitors at Goodwood, are also featured in this class with their respective vehicles: a tire-destroying Nissan GTR and a Ford Mustang RTR. Their abilities to drift one-handed during their hill climbs exemplify their mastery over their machines. According to Biagioni, "Drifting at Goodwood is about pushing the limits and giving the crowd an unforgettable show."

Chris Forsberg, a well-known figure in the drifting community, has brought his Nissan 'Altimaniac' to the festival. This vehicle boasts a 4.1-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine capable of producing a staggering 2,000 PS (1,491 kW). Forsberg, a three-time Formula Drift champion, commented on the thrill of participating in such a prestigious event. "Goodwood is not just about speed; it’s about style, skill, and connecting with the audience," he stated in an interview with the Goodwood Racing Network.

Ryan Tuerck, another prominent drifter, showcases his Toyota Stout drift truck, which is equipped with a turbocharged engine from the Toyota Celica GT4, generating over 600 PS (441 kW). Tuerck's innovative approach to drifting with a truck has garnered significant attention, with fans highlighting his unique style as both entertaining and technically impressive.

The final entry in the drift class is Axel Hildebrand, who presents a Volvo 740 modified with a PPRE triple-rotor engine and a Garrett G45-1500 turbocharger. Hildebrand's vehicle is celebrated for its loud, exhilarating performances, which resonate throughout the festival grounds. "Every run is about bringing the thrill to life and showcasing what this car can do," he explained.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed remains a significant event in the motorsport calendar, celebrating not only speed but also the artistry and engineering behind drifting. Enthusiasts can watch the live stream of the event, ensuring that fans worldwide do not miss a moment of the action. The festival highlights the growing popularity of drifting as a motorsport discipline and offers a platform for drivers to exhibit their skills in front of an enthusiastic audience.

As the festival progresses, it continues to draw attention from various media outlets and sponsors, reinforcing its status as a premier automotive celebration. The eclectic mix of cars this year underscores the diversity within the drifting community, and as the event unfolds, more surprises are expected. The emphasis on both performance and spectatorship indicates a promising future for the sport, with increasing participation and fan engagement anticipated in the years to come. The 2025 Festival of Speed not only showcases the best in driving talent but also emphasizes the cultural significance of motorsport in contemporary society.