Goodwood Members’ Meeting 2026 at full throttle: Jenson Button, Lanzante and Super Touring legends

The 83rd Members’ Meeting at Goodwood Motor Circuit delivered a spectacular blend of heritage, high-performance engineering, and raw racing spirit — proving once again why this early-season event remains one of the most distinctive fixtures in the motorsport calendar. With exclusive access, roaring engines, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric, this year’s edition offered a rich tapestry of unforgettable moments for enthusiasts and insiders alike.

Jenson Button Steals the Spotlight in Title-Winning Machinery

One of the defining highlights of the weekend came courtesy of Jenson Button, who reunited with his iconic 2009 championship-winning Brawn GP BGP 001 in a series of breathtaking demonstration runs.

The moment was as emotional as it was spectacular. Reflecting on the experience, Button described just how visceral it felt to be back behind the wheel:

“It feels so natural… I’ve got so many memories, and it comes flooding back as soon as they start the car.”

He also highlighted the challenge of driving such a machine around Goodwood’s narrow, unforgiving layout:

“You feel the bumps; one little twitch and it’s gone!”

The demonstration wasn’t just nostalgic — it was a vivid reminder of the ferocity of V8-era Formula 1, with Button pushing the car hard to the delight of the crowd.

“Driving the Brawn again here at Goodwood is incredibly special. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else — so close to the fans, so raw. It reminds you why you fell in love with racing in the first place.”

Racing Across the Weekend: Button the Competitor

Beyond the headline Brawn GP appearance, Button fully immersed himself in the competitive spirit of the Members’ Meeting, racing across multiple categories and showcasing his versatility.

He competed in the Protheroe Cup, sharing a Jaguar E-Type with William Paul, securing a strong fifth-place finish.

Button returned in the Phil Hill Cup, again in the Jaguar E-Type ‘CUT 8’, delivering one of the drives of the weekend to take overall victory after a determined fight back through the field.

He also featured in the Gordon Spice Trophy, piloting a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 alongside Andrew Smith, further underlining his adaptability across vastly different machinery.

Lanzante 95-59: A New Chapter Revealed

The Members’ Meeting also served as the stage for the public debut of the striking Lanzante 95-59, presented by Lanzante.

Inspired by the legendary McLaren F1 GTR — winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 — the 95-59 pays homage through both its name and philosophy, blending cutting-edge performance with a deeply driver-focused concept.

At the wheel for its dynamic debut was Kenny Bräck, who offered GT REPORT a fascinating first-hand insight into the machine. “This car is a mule car… it’s based off the 750,” he explained, highlighting its role as a development platform. The most striking feature, however, is its layout: “The driver sits in the middle… it feels like a single-seater in a way,” transforming the car into a three-seat configuration with a unique sense of balance and focus.

Bräck, who previously worked as a chief test driver during its development, noted how familiar the car felt on track: “It feels roughly like I remember it… it’s a very fast sports car.” Despite Goodwood’s famously bumpy surface, he praised its composure, describing it as “stable… predictable… and you can push it hard,” even if, like any high-performance machine on the limit, “they move around a little bit.”

The enjoyment was clear to see, and hard for him to hide. Laughing, he admitted: “A racing driver is a racing driver… he doesn’t want to stop,” after stretching his allotted three laps to six laps during the demonstration.

Looking ahead, Bräck hinted at what’s to come: “There’s going to be a new body… new suspension, performance, engine… more horsepower,” as Lanzante continues refining the concept into a highly exclusive production run of just 59 cars.

Reflecting on the setting, he summed up the occasion simply: “It’s a great event… one of the premier events in the world… it’s amazing,” reinforcing Goodwood’s reputation as the perfect stage for such an important debut.

Super Touring Revival: A Golden Era Reignited

Touring car fans were treated to one of the most evocative spectacles of the entire weekend as the Super Touring era roared back to life at Goodwood Motor Circuit.

A star-studded line-up of touring car legends took to the wheel, including Colin Turkington, Andy Priaulx, John Cleland, Matt Neal, Steve Soper, Anthony Reid and Rob Huff — names synonymous with the fiercely competitive 1990s touring car era.

The grid of machinery was equally compelling, featuring icons such as the Audi A4 Quattro, BMW 320i, Volvo 850, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord and Vauxhall Vectra, alongside Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Peugeot and Renault contenders.

Among those behind the wheel was Emanuele Pirro, who brought the Audi back to life with trademark precision. Pirro have won three Super Touring titles, two of which were with Audi A4 Quattro. In an interview for GT REPORT, reflecting on the experience, he said: “It felt exactly as it was at the period… it made me really go back in time.” He described the run as “such an enjoyment to drive, really hard to describe,” adding: “It’s been a real treat and privilege to drive the car again.”

Pirro highlighted the car’s defining characteristics: “The solidity of the car… because of the 4WD system,” noting that “you never have an excess of either under-steer or over-steer… it kept the same really good balance.” Even so, finding the ultimate pace remained demanding: “It was difficult to push to the ultimate lap time, because you didn’t want to slide the car too much.”

The experience reignited his competitive instincts: “My killer instinct woke up… I just wanted to push as much as I could… it made me feel young again.”

On Goodwood itself, he reflected: “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience… the circuit is like going back in time,” adding that it remains “a very special atmosphere… the more you come, the more you feel home.”

With over forty cars assembled, the demonstration delivered a sensory overload — high-revving engines, aggressive aero, and close-quarter action transporting fans straight back to touring car racing’s golden age.

Celebrating Legends: James Hunt & Barry Sheene

Beyond the racing, the 83rd Members’ Meeting paid tribute to two of Britain’s most charismatic motorsport icons — James Hunt and Barry Sheene.

The James Hunt celebration brought the spirit of 1970s Formula 1 roaring back to life, with period machinery and evocative demonstrations capturing the fearless character of the 1976 World Champion.

Equally captivating was the tribute to Barry Sheene, as a collection of iconic racing motorcycles took to the circuit, celebrating the two-time 500cc world champion’s legacy, charisma, and enduring connection with fans.

Racing Heritage and Unique Atmosphere That Defines Goodwood

Beyond the headline acts, the weekend featured a packed programme of competitive racing across multiple eras — from pre-1960s GT machinery to thunderous saloon cars and high-revving single-seaters — each delivering close, authentic racing.

What truly sets the Members’ Meeting apart is its atmosphere. Unlike larger, more commercialised events, this gathering retains a sense of exclusivity and authenticity. The combination of historic machinery, open paddocks, and passionate fans creates an experience that feels deeply personal.

Looking Ahead

The 83rd Members’ Meeting reaffirmed Goodwood Road Racing Club’s commitment to preserving motorsport heritage while embracing innovation. With landmark debuts, legendary drivers, and unforgettable on-track action, this year’s event has once again proven why Goodwood remains one of the most special places in world motorsport.

Photos by Michal Pospisil