Initiate Show 2026 Delivers Another Spectacle at Goodwood

The second running of Initiate Show proved exactly why it has already become one of the standout dates on the UK automotive calendar. Held at the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit on Bank Holiday Monday, the event once again blended high level drifting, stunning show cars and packed spectator areas into a full throttle celebration of car culture.

Behind it all was an incredible effort from Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni and the entire team, who have managed to grow the event rapidly in just its second year. Building on the success of the inaugural show in 2025, Initiate returned bigger, louder and even more polished, showcasing just how much appetite there is for drifting at one of Britain’s most historic circuits.

Fans were also given the chance to get closer to the action during the grid walk, which proved hugely popular. The starting grid quickly filled with spectators eager to meet the drivers, see the cars up close and collect autographs and photographs before the competition got underway, adding to the welcoming and community driven atmosphere that drifting events are known for.

At the heart of the action was the drift competition itself. Sixteen drivers entered battle through qualifying before the field was whittled down to the final eight. From there, the intensity ramped up as the competition narrowed to the last four and ultimately the final two drivers fighting for victory in front of packed crowds lining the circuit.

After a day of relentless battles and huge commitment behind the wheel, it was Ryan Hughes who stood on the top step of the podium, delivering a composed and aggressive performance throughout the knockout stages.

For much of the day conditions remained dry, allowing drivers to attack the fast flowing Goodwood layout with confidence. However, as the Top 16 battles got underway, the weather dramatically changed and heavy rain swept across the circuit. The already technical layout instantly became treacherous, with standing water and inconsistent grip levels catching drivers out.

The changing conditions created a completely different challenge for competitors. Grip was hard to find and patchy in places, forcing drivers to carefully balance aggression with precision as they searched for traction corner after corner. It transformed the battles into a real test of driver skill and adaptability, with commitment levels remaining sky high despite the soaked surface.

Adding to the entertainment throughout the day was Liam Doran, who put on a wild demonstration in his outrageous 2x inline-4 Hayabusas powered Mini truck. Fans lined the barriers as Doran threw the machine into huge drifts, smoked the rear tyres with tight donuts and even pulled wheelies down the circuit, delivering one of the loudest and most crowd pleasing displays of the entire event. Event organiser Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni also took to the circuit in his GT86, putting on a smoke filled demo run of his own to the delight of the Goodwood crowd.

Away from the drift action, the Sonax Showcase display was another major attraction throughout the day. It featured an impressive collection of meticulously prepared builds ranging from clean OEM+ projects to wild widebody creations, drawing crowds across the paddock all day long.

Monster also kept spectators entertained with multiple FMX shows throughout the day. Two motocross bikes and a snowmobile launched high into the air performing huge flips, tail whips and other gravity defying tricks that drew massive reactions from the crowd every time they hit the ramps.

Combined with FMX displays, drift passenger rides and a packed paddock atmosphere, Initiate Show 2026 once again demonstrated why the event has quickly become a key fixture in UK automotive culture. With the backing of the drifting community, a unique venue and the passion of Baggsy and his team, the future of the show already looks incredibly bright.