Ford Fest, the festival for all things Ford, made a welcome, if a bit damp, comeback for 2024 at its new home at Mallory Park Circuit in Leicestershire. Here are the best bits from Ford Fest 2024…
The weather may have been pretty awful, but Ford fans from all over the UK braved the downpours and thunderstorms as the gates opened on Ford Fest 2024!
After a six-year hiatus, Ford Fest returned on September 22nd, now at the picturesque setting of Mallory Park circuit. Ford Fest 2024 revived that Ford-family spirit the show was always loved for, and despite a brief pause in play in the morning spirits were high. Bringing together the very best Blue Ovals of all shapes, sizes, and ages, Ford Fest 2024 was a true celebration of all things fast Ford.
Here’s a recap of Ford Fest 2024.
Ford Fest 2024 track action
Mallory Park’s track echoed the roar of tuned YBs, powerful Pintos, crazy Crossflows and more (plus the occasional Honda K-series engine swap! Shock! Horror!) as Ford owners tested their mettle on the spectacular circuit.
Adrenaline was the order of the day, as these magnificent machines provided plenty of thrills of the fast and tricky-to-master Mallory track. Some track venturers took advantage of the expert tuition available from the Motorsports School on the day too. These ARDS instructors teach race drivers how to get their race licenses, and have racked up thousands of laps around Mallory’s famous circuit, so who better to learn the right lines from? Both seasoned racers and novices alike took turns to push their cars to the limits, carving their own tales on the track.
One of the best sessions of the day was the Fastest Fords demo display. With special guests invited from Fast Ford and Classic Ford magazines, these were, as the name suggests, some of the fastest Fords out on track all day.
Paul Swift’s Stunt Show
One of the most exhilarating segments of the day was, undoubtedly, the hair-raising stunt show by Paul Swift. This dramatic spectacle had spectators holding their breath as Paul executed daring drifts and insane skids with his Ranger Raptor and Ford Mustang.
Ford Fest 2024 Club Car Displays
Ford Fest 2024 was certainly a treat for the senses with the club car display taking centre stage. The dedication of the clubs to bring their best creations forward was evident from the row upon row of awesome Fords. The club awards were a tough competition, adding a spark of friendly rivalry to the event.
Club winners:
- Best large club stand winner – Oval Owners Club
- Best small club stand winner – Moving Mad Performance
- Best regional club stand winner – Midlands Old School Ford
- Best themed club stand – Tangerine Scream ST Owners
- Most interesting/varied car selection club winner – Midlands ST OC
- Club hero award winner announced – Lee Ryan from Mk4/4.5 Focus ST Owner’s Group
- Best charity support award winner announced – Simply Mustangs UK
- Best Club Car – Pete Ruttle, Mk2 Focus RS
Special Display
The Special Display, a dazzling showcase of non-club Ford owners, stood as a testament to individual brilliance. Paying just an extra £2 with your ticket price, these proud Ford owners got their moment in the limelight.
Fast Ford and Classic Ford Magazine at Ford Fest 2024
Nestled conspicuously at the heart of the event was a staggering lineup courtesy of Fast Ford and Classic Ford magazines. Visitors had a rare opportunity to traverse the decades of Ford’s illustrious history just by walking through the magazine displays. We immersed ourselves in a timeline that spanned from the thunderous roar of the 1960s muscle cars to the sophisticated purr of today’s EcoBoost-powered marvels.
Street Elite Showdown
The energy shifted as we ventured over to the Street Elite zone, where the air buzzed with competitive spirit. Sponsored by CarGods, this was not just any show & shine contest. It was a battleground where a select few of the very best vied for supremacy.
After much deliberation, three stunning vehicles were crowned, each earning a prize that sparked envy among fellow Ford fans.
Winners
Winner – Andy Kendrick, Escort Cosworth
Runner Up – Fiesta XR2 Kerry Burgess
Runner Up – Mk2 Focus ST
Greatest Ford Hot Hatches at Ford Fest 2024
Another crowd-puller at Ford Fest 2024 was, without doubt, the array of Ford’s greatest hot hatches. Spanning over four decades, each model from the first Fiesta XR2 to the latest Focus ST told a story of innovation and excitement that is synonymous with Ford’s hot hatch lineage. As we mingled among these legendary machines, conversations sparked, stories were exchanged, and it was clear that each hatch held a special place in the hearts of the Ford fans in attendance. This display was a vibrant showcase of Ford’s dominance in creating vehicles that combine performance with real-world practicality.
Winners
Best Classic Winner – Ford Fiesta XR2 (PLY 894Y)
Best Modern Winner – Mk6 Fiesta (HA56 TCH)
Ford Coupes on Display
Changing pace, the Ford Coupes area was akin to stepping into an art gallery. Each model from the sleek lines of the Capri to the robust charisma of the Mustang was displayed. These cars, each a beacon of Ford’s venture into sporty luxury over the decades, were admired not just for their aesthetics but for the engineering excellence they stood for. The variety in design philosophies, from the compact Puma to the grandeur of the Granada Coupe, illustrated Ford’s versatility.
Winners
Winner – Ford Granada Coupe (TBU 715N)
Ford Fest 2024
As the day wound down and the rain returned for the afternoon, the crowds began to disperse but the sense of community among Ford lovers remained. Ford Fest was more than just a showcase of cars. It was a celebration of a legacy. A community. And a passion that will undoubtedly carry forward to future gatherings.
Ford fans, mark your calendars, for Ford Fest 2025 promises to be even better still! As we leave Ford Fest 2024, we can’t help but look forward to what the next show brings.
Our next outing is at German Car Festival followed by Classic Japfest, at Goodwood on October 5th and 6th. See you there!
