Japfest Goodwood: What’s On
Live Action
The Live Action Demos at Japfest Goodwood are set to be pure sensory overload, bringing the show to life with non-stop noise, smoke, speed and sideways action. For 2026, the famous Goodwood pit straight will be transformed into a dedicated live-action arena, putting the action right at the heart of the event and giving spectators a front-row seat to the madness. Expect a wild mix of drifting monsters, fire-breathing drag cars, flying trucks sending it sky-high, and Jap-powered Autograss cars popping wheelies in front of the crowd. This is Japanese car culture unleashed, with thrilling demonstrations taking place throughout the day. With the full line-up still to be announced, be sure to keep your eyes locked on our social channels for the latest updates, special guests and surprise additions that promise to make this one of the most exciting features of the show
Drift King Demos
Hosted by Drift Matsuri, Drift Kings is set to deliver some of the most spectacular action of the day as the UK’s finest Japanese drift cars take over the Goodwood pit straight. Across three smoke-filled demonstration sessions, expect a hand-picked line-up of top drivers and incredible machines showcasing the skill, precision and commitment required to keep these high-powered drift cars sideways at speed. With the famous pit straight transformed into a dedicated live-action arena, spectators will have the perfect vantage point from the Goodwood balconies to witness every slide, transition and near-miss. Driver announcements are still to come, so keep your eyes on our social channels as we reveal the stars who’ll be lighting up Goodwood this year..
Car Catwalk
New for 2026, the Car Catwalk transforms traditional show-and-shine judging into a live spectator sport. Sixteen of the event’s finest builds will earn their place in the competition before going head-to-head in a knockout showdown. The opening Top 16 round sees cars paired against each other, with the audience voting for their favourite to progress. Winners advance to the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals, before the final two cars battle it out for the title. With every vote counting, expect stunning builds, passionate owners, surprise upsets and plenty of drama as the crowd crowns the ultimate Car Catwalk champion live at the show.
Japfest Paddock
The Japfest Paddock is where the very best Japanese builds of the year come together in one unmissable showcase. Hand-picked from across the UK, this premium display will feature some of the most innovative, beautifully presented and talked-about cars in the scene, from immaculate restorations and rare imports to cutting-edge modified builds. Whether your passion is JDM icons, modern performance machinery or show-stopping custom creations, the Japfest Paddock is the place to see the cars setting the benchmark for Japanese automotive culture. If you want to know what’s hot in the scene right now, start here.
Club Awards
New for 2026, the Car Catwalk transforms traditional show-and-shine judging into a live spectator sport. Sixteen of the event’s finest builds will earn their place in the competition before going head-to-head in a knockout showdown. The opening Top 16 round sees cars paired against each other, with the audience voting for their favourite to progress. Winners advance to the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals, before the final two cars battle it out for the title. With every vote counting, expect stunning builds, passionate owners, surprise upsets and plenty of drama as the crowd crowns the ultimate Car Catwalk champion live at the show.
Luke Woodham’s ProLite Jumping Truck
Prepare for one of the most spectacular sights of the day as Monster Energy athlete Luke Woodham brings his incredible ProLite truck to the live action arena. Known for pushing both man and machine to the limit, Luke will be launching the high-powered off-road racer through a series of gravity-defying jumps guaranteed to get hearts racing. Combining huge horsepower, incredible skill and fearless commitment, this is motorsport entertainment at its most extreme. Whether you’re a dedicated off-road fan or simply love seeing machines fly through the air, Luke Woodham’s ProLite truck display is one show-stopping attraction you won’t want to miss.
Goodwood Simulators
Think you’ve got what it takes behind the wheel? Open throughout the event, the Goodwood Race Simulators give visitors the chance to experience the thrill of driving one of the UK’s most iconic circuits without ever leaving the ground. Featuring state-of-the-art full-motion simulators, realistic racing physics and a selection of incredible cars, it’s your chance to chase lap times, challenge your friends and see if you can master the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or a complete beginner, this immersive driving experience is not to be missed.
Retail Village
If you’re looking for some top-notch products for your Japanese car or JDM-inspired merch, then be sure to head to our Retail Village. Situated at the heart of the event, the retail village is packed with everything and anything you could need for your car or yourself, from throttle bodies to detailing products! All the big names in the industry will be showcasing their latest products and offering you exclusive deals – just make sure you don’t forget your wallet. You’ll also have the chance to speak directly with industry experts, discover new brands, check out the latest performance upgrades and accessories, and grab event-only bargains you won’t find anywhere else.
Car Awards
As well as the Car Catwalk competition, we’ll also be recognising some of the standout builds at the show with awards for Best Interior, Best Wheels, Best Home Build and Best Engine Bay. Open to all Club Display and Individual Display vehicles, these coveted trophies celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail that make the modified car scene so special. With some of the most impressive trophies on the UK show scene up for grabs, the competition is set to be fierce.
Individual Display
Calling all solo Japanese car enthusiasts! If you’re not part of a car club but have a burning desire to showcase your pride and joy, our Individual Display car pass is your golden ticket to automotive fame! For just £20 (early bird price), you’ll secure a prime spot in the heart of Japfest Goodwood. No club? No problem! You’ll get early access, beat the queues, and display your beloved car to thousands of passionate fans.
Got a Question? Here’s our FAQs…
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Japfest, from tickets and entry details to show features, and what to expect on the day. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, bringing a show car, or just coming to soak up the atmosphere, this section is designed to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ve pulled together the key info that people ask us every year, so you can spend less time searching and more time getting excited for the event. Should you need further support, you can raise a ticket via the Japfest FAQs button below.