Drift Mania at the Festival of Speed

We’re not certain of exactly how many tyres will meet their end over these four days at Goodwood, but we’re sure no one in attendance will mourn their loss. They are but short-lived consumables, sacrificed at the altar of drama and spectacle.

It’s simply impossible not to appreciate the skills of the drivers behind the wheel of these cars as they shun the existence of straight lines in favour of a more flourishing trajectory – one that shrouds the entire Goodwood Estate in tyre smoke and shredded rubber.

And the level of skill on display at this year’s Festival of Speed is particularly high, with many of the drifting world’s biggest names taking to the Hill throughout the weekend to put on one hell of a show.

The likes of James Deane in his BMW M3 ‘Eurofighter’, Video: Ryan Tuerck’s Toyota Stout drift truck is absolutely insane in his spectacular Toyota Stout and Mad Mike Whiddett showing off his latest MADMAC creation for the first time are all on their usual top form, while a certain two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanperä is also proving that his talents behind the wheel are as vast as they are impressive in his new Toyota GR Supra Drift machine.

Axel Hildebrand has returned to Goodwood with his rotary-engined C6 Corvette, as has Festival of Speed favourite Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagione. Ahmad Daham has been fully sideways in his Lexus RC-F, as have two Red Bull-liveried BMW M4s.

We love the show these drivers put on, they’re always spectacular and always a highlight of the weekend. We just wish we could drive like they do.

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from the 11th-14th July, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!

Photography by Pete Summers, Jordan Butters.