Carl Fogarty Steals the Spotlight at Goodwood Festival of Speed
It was a full-throttle celebration of superbike greatness at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Blackburn’s very own Carl Fogarty took centre stage—and what a return it was.
The four-time World Superbike Champion didn’t just attend the prestigious West Sussex event—he owned it. Foggy was given the festival’s revered balcony moment, a tradition that puts motorsport royalty in front of the adoring masses outside the iconic Goodwood House. As the crowd roared, it was a powerful tribute to one of Britain’s greatest ever racers.
But that was just the warm-up.
Fogarty was reunited with the legendary Ducati 916 that carried him to glory in the 1995 World Superbike Championship—a machine that still looks every bit as sharp as the day it tore up the grid. And yes, in true Foggy style, he fired it up and stormed up the famous Goodwood Hill each day of the event, proving that both man and machine still have plenty of bite.
In a weekend that paid homage to the golden era of WorldSBK, more than 40 classic race bikes graced the hill, with Fogarty leading the charge. Joining him were a number of his former rivals and fellow icons of the sport, making this year’s Festival a love letter to superbike racing’s fiercest and finest years.
“I’ve had such a great time at the Festival of Speed over the years,” Carl said after a dramatic entrance that ended in cheers, revs, and champagne. “I hadn’t seen my ’95 Ducati 916 for a while, so it was brilliant to be reunited. And it’s great to see WorldSBK getting this kind of recognition—it deserves it.”
A Goodwood spokesperson captured the moment perfectly:
“Carl was invited onto the balcony to honour his incredible WorldSBK career, and he gave the fans a moment to remember. Watching him split the crowds on that classic Ducati and spraying champagne like it was 1995 all over again—we won’t forget it anytime soon.”
Also soaking in the celebration was Carl’s daughter, Claudia Fogarty—no stranger to the spotlight herself. The former Love Island star beamed with pride as her dad was honoured for his motorsport achievements:
“What an amazing experience for us all. To see Carl Fogarty recognised in such a special way—we’re so proud of him.”
And the Foggy story doesn’t end here.
Earlier this year, Carl confirmed he’s gearing up for a new chapter in racing—not in the saddle, but at the helm. Teaming up with Superbike Advocates Racing, Fogarty is set to launch a brand-new squad for the 2026 British Superbike Championship. That’s right—The King of WorldSBK is stepping into the role of team principal.
“Being part of this project is hugely exciting,” Foggy said. “I’m bringing all the experience I’ve gained over the years to help lead this team to success.”
From winning world titles to tearing up TV screens in the jungle, and now building the next generation of superbike contenders—Carl Fogarty’s legacy continues to evolve. And if Goodwood proved anything, it’s that the fire still burns as brightly as ever.