Video: 2026 Freddie March Memorial Trophy highlights | Goodwood Revival

Freddie March Memorial Trophy highlights

The Freddie March Memorial Trophy evokes the spirit of the Goodwood Nine Hours with a field of early 1950s sportscars. Jaguar C-Types very often appear at the sharp end of the grid, their in-period innovation of disc brakes still giving them an edge over some competition all these decades later.

For 2026, Jenson Button returns with his ex-Fangio car. Having won his first Goodwood Revival race last year, he’ll be looking to add to that tally, but he’ll have to beat the hard-charging C-Type equipped Chris Ward to do so…

Freddie March Memorial Trophy Official Practice

In period, Goodwood was the first UK circuit to host night racing with its Nine Hour fixtures that started at 15:00 and ended at midnight. The Freddie March Memorial Trophy rekindles the spirit of those events, and in 2026 it was a brace of Jaguar C-Types that were vying for pole position during Official Practice.

Goodwood regular Chris Ward set the benchmark figures, which meant it was up to Jenson Button to try to topple him at the wheel of his own C-Type. Managing traffic was the aim, and the times got incredibly close.

With Ward besting Button’s time by a little more than 0.2 second, the Formula 1 World Champion put in a last-ditch final-lap attempt, but Ward was able to maintain his position. At one stage, they were in touch on the road, running in reverse order.

Theo Hunt claimed third place with his Jaguar-powered HWM, while we should make a special mention for Bill Shepherd’s efforts in hustling the Ford Thunderbird ‘Battlebird’ around the circuit. What it has in straight-line speed it gives away in agility, which becomes blatantly apparent in the compression at St. Mary’s.

We look forward to the Ward versus Button rivalry come race day.

Photography by Charlie Brenninmeijer.

Freddie March Memorial Trophy grid (top 10)

When is the 2026 Freddie March Memorial Trophy?

While the Goodwood Nine Hours fixtures raced long into night in period, its reimagining at the Revival is a far shorter fixture. Official Practice for the Freddie March Memorial Trophy is set for 15:15 on Friday, with the race scheduled for Sunday at 10:30. Make sure to be trackside to watch these ‘50s sportscars sprint around the circuit, and hear the engines roar. 

Who’s competing in the 2026 Freddie March Memorial Trophy?

Year after year, the Freddie March Memorial Trophy delivers an elite grid of racing royalty, and this year promises to be a thriller. Defending champions Jenson Button and Alex Buncombe are back to defend their crown after securing a stunning maiden win as team-mates last year. Four-time victor Gary Pearson is also hunting for a historic fifth win, while veteran experts Bill Shephard and Christopher Mann throw their hats into the ring.

Which cars are competing in the 2026 Freddie March Memorial Trophy?

A race this historic always brings the event's finest cars to the track, offering spectators an intimate look at rare beauties ready to compete. This year sees the return of legendary previous winners including the Jaguar C-type, HWM-Jaguar and the iconic Aston Martin DB3S. They’ll share the grid with rarities including the Ford Thunderbird ‘Battlebird’, Jaguar XK 140 “Gomm Special”, the Frazer Nash Targa Florio Mk II and the Frazer Nash Mille Miglia. While British and American marques dominate the field, the lone Italian contender — the striking Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 PR 'Disco Volante’ — is sure to make its formidable presence known.

Tickets for the 2027 Goodwood Revival will be on sale from Monday 21st September for a limited time only. Tickets will be available exclusively for 2026 tickets holders, as well as Members and Fellows of the GRRC.

Join the GRRC Fellowship today to secure your tickets at the best price possible, plus enjoy access to the exclusive GRRC Pit Stop Enclosure on-event, 10% off admission tickets and grandstand passes and a year-round calendar of member events.