Supercar Events: Monterey Car Week, Goodwood and the Nürburgring

A handful of events bring rare road cars, historic racing cars and new supercars together in one place, some as static displays, others at full speed. This guide covers the big ones in California, Germany and England, with dates checked on 18 October 2026, and ends with how to drive the same tracks in a simulator.

The Monterey Car Week Experience

Monterey Car Week in California is one of the busiest weeks in the collector car calendar. It is not just one event; it’s a whole week of automotive indulgence that culminates in some truly legendary gatherings. It’s a pilgrimage for car enthusiasts, collectors, and, of course, the manufacturers themselves.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: The Pinnacle of Automotive Perfection

The Concours closes the week. Pebble Beach is where history meets future, showcasing some of the most rare, iconic, and beautiful cars ever made. You’ll see everything from pre-war classics that are worth more than mansions to the latest hypercars making their public debut. The 2026 Concours took place on 16 August; the 2027 edition is set for Sunday 15 August 2027, and from 2028 the event moves from the third to the second Sunday in August.

A Living Museum on the Green

Imagine a perfectly manicured golf course bathed in California sunshine, with rows upon rows of automotive masterpieces. That’s Pebble Beach. It’s like walking through a curated museum where every exhibit has a soul and a story. The focus here is on preservation and history, so while you might see some incredibly fast machines, the emphasis is on their design, rarity, and pedigree. It’s a place where you can appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that went into these vehicles over decades.

The Judging and the Prestige

Pebble Beach isn’t just a display; it’s a competition. Cars are meticulously judged on their originality, restoration quality, and historical significance. The coveted “Best of Show” award is one of the most prestigious in the automotive world. Even if you’re not a judge, the sheer quality of the cars and the passion of their owners is palpable.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: Intimate and Exclusive

The Quail is the smaller, more exclusive gathering of the week. It is a more relaxed event held on the grounds of Quail Lodge. It offers a chance to see a curated selection of exceptional vehicles in a truly stunning setting.

Focus on Specializations

The Quail often has specific themes, rotating through different eras or types of motorsport. This allows for a deeper dive into particular automotive passions. You might find a gathering focused on vintage racing Ferraris one year, or perhaps a celebration of innovative automotive design the next.

Networking and nibbles

Beyond the cars, The Quail is known for its luxurious atmosphere. There are gourmet food tents, fine wines, and a generally more relaxed vibe than the more crowded events. It’s a great place to chat with owners, designers, and fellow enthusiasts in a more intimate setting.

Monterey Motorsports Reunion: historic racing at Laguna Seca

While Pebble Beach and The Quail are static displays, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brings the racing: historic racing cars at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. In 2026 qualifying and practice ran on 12 and 13 August and the races on 14 and 15 August. The Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb on the weekend before, 8 and 9 August in 2026, is the more relaxed warm-up with closer access to cars and drivers.

Historic Racing Action

The grids are made up of historic racing cars grouped by era and class, and the Pre-Reunion has wheel-to-wheel races for hundreds of them. On the Saturday of the Pre-Reunion, the Corkscrew Hillclimb runs the famous turn uphill, against the usual direction of the lap.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Many of these events offer opportunities for spectators to get closer to the action than you might expect. You can often wander through the paddock areas and see the cars and the teams preparing for their battles on the track. It’s a chance to witness the dedication and meticulous preparation that goes into keeping these historic machines race-ready.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours: a day and a night on the Nordschleife

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is the opposite of a concours: a full day and night of racing on one of the most demanding circuits in the world. The 2027 race is scheduled for 27 to 30 May 2027, according to the circuit.

The Green Hell: A Legend in its Own Right

The Nürburgring Nordschleife, affectionately known as the “Green Hell,” is a 20.8-kilometer (12.9-mile) monster of a track carved into the Eifel Mountains. It’s famous for its unpredictable weather, elevation changes, and sheer number of corners. Surviving it for 24 hours is an achievement in itself.

Pure Motorsport Spectacle

This race attracts a vast array of cars, from GT3-spec supercars fielded by major manufacturers and privateer teams to a variety of other race-prepared vehicles. With a large field of very different speeds on track, often in changing weather, managing traffic decides as much as outright pace.

Camping and Camaraderie

Part of the unique appeal of the Nürburgring 24 Hours is the sprawling campsite experience. Thousands of fans set up tents and caravans around the circuit, creating a vibrant, albeit noisy, community. It’s a place where you can share stories, cheer on your favorite teams, and truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a major motorsport event.

Beyond the Track: The Culture of the Nürburgring

While the race is the main attraction, the Nürburgring itself is a destination. The surrounding area is steeped in motorsport history, and there are numerous opportunities to experience other aspects of the Nürburgring experience.

Tourist Drive Days

If you’re brave enough and have the right vehicle, you can even take your own car on the Nordschleife during public tourist drive days. It’s an intimidating but incredibly rewarding experience. Just remember, it’s not a race track, but a public road with rules and varying skill levels of drivers.

Museums and Local Eateries

There are small museums dedicated to the Nürburgring’s history, and charming local restaurants and pubs where you can refuel and soak in the local culture.

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Where Speed Meets Garden Party

The Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK is a truly unique event that blends a spectacular celebration of motorsport history with a quintessential British garden party. It is less about formal judging and more about seeing and hearing cars and bikes in action. The 2027 Festival of Speed runs from 15 to 18 July 2027.

The Hillclimb: The Heart of the Festival

The 1.16-mile (1.87 km) hill climb is the main stage. Here, legendary drivers pilot everything from vintage Grand Prix cars and modern F1 machines to rally cars and, of course, a dazzling array of supercars and hypercars. The close proximity of the track to the spectators makes for an exhilarating experience.

A Family of Speed

Goodwood is known for bringing together families of automotive icons. You’ll see cars that belonged to legends like Jim Clark, Stirling Moss, and Ayrton Senna, alongside their modern counterparts. It’s a chance to connect with automotive heritage in a very tangible way.

First Glimpses of New Metal

Manufacturers often use the Festival of Speed to debut new models or create stunning displays showcasing their latest innovations. You’ll find the newest supercars and hypercars pushing the limits on the hillclimb or on static displays.

Beyond the Hill: A Multitude of Attractions

The Festival of Speed is far more than just the hillclimb. The entire Goodwood estate is transformed into an automotive playground.

Cartier Style et Luxe

The Festival’s own concours, Cartier Style et Luxe, shows rare and classic cars. The Concours of Elegance is a separate event: it takes place at Hampton Court Palace in early September, and its winner is chosen by the owners of the cars on display.

Supercar Paddock, First Glance and Future Lab

The Supercar Paddock gathers high-end road cars, First Glance is the paddock for new model launches, and the FOS Future Lab covers technology and innovation.

The Shootout

The Timed Shoot-Out sets drivers against the clock on the hill.

Salon Privé: Luxury, Elegance, and Rare Machinery

Salon Privé, held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, combines a judged concours with a showcase of current supercars and luxury brands. It now runs over five days, ending with Supercar Sunday; the 2027 edition is set for 1 to 5 September 2027.

The Blenheim Palace Setting: Pure Grandeur

Imagine supercars parked on the manicured lawns of one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. The setting alone elevates Salon Privé to a rarefied atmosphere. It’s an elegant backdrop for an equally elegant display of automotive excellence.

Classic Car Competition: A Prestigious Affair

Similar to Pebble Beach, Salon Privé hosts a highly regarded concours competition, attracting some of the world’s finest classic cars. The judging criteria focus on originality, provenance, and restoration quality.

Beyond the Classics: Modern Marvels and Luxury Lifestyle

Salon Privé isn’t just about the past. It’s also a platform for the future of automotive design and luxury.

The Supercar Showcase

Supercar Sunday brings current models from the more exclusive manufacturers. Expect to see limited-edition models, concept cars, and vehicles that represent the cutting edge of performance and design.

Luxury Pavilions and Exhibitors

Beyond the cars, Salon Privé features a curated selection of luxury brands, from haute horlogerie and fine jewelry to bespoke tailoring and private aviation. It’s a holistic celebration of luxury lifestyle.

Local and Regional Supercar Gatherings: Accessible Thrills

While the mega-events are incredible, you don’t always need to travel across continents to experience the supercar buzz. There are numerous fantastic local and regional events that offer a more accessible way to get your fix of horsepower.

Exclusive Track Day Events

Many circuits around the world host dedicated supercar track days. These are often organized by specialist companies or directly by supercar manufacturers.

Driving Your Dream Machine

These days are designed for owners to unleash their cars on a closed circuit in a controlled environment. As a spectator, you get to witness these incredible machines being driven as they were intended to be, often with professional instructors on hand to offer insights.

The Sound and the Fury

The noise of a V12 engine echoing around a racetrack is an experience that stays with you. Track days offer a raw, unfiltered taste of automotive performance.

Manufacturer-Specific Events and Open Houses

Supercar manufacturers themselves often host exclusive events or open their factory doors for special occasions.

Behind the Scenes Tours

Many manufacturers offer tours of their production facilities, giving you a chance to see where these masterpieces are built. This can be a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship, technology, and dedication involved.

Launch Events and Dyno Days

Keep an eye out for local dealership events or manufacturer-specific gatherings that might include new model unveilings, static displays, or even demonstrations on a dyno.

Regional Concours and Car Shows

Many regions and cities have their own versions of classic car shows and concours events. While they might not have the international prestige of Pebble Beach, they can still be home to some truly spectacular vehicles and offer a great day out.

Local Pride and Passion

These events often showcase the passion of local car collectors and enthusiasts. You’ll find a diverse range of vehicles, from meticulously restored classics to unique custom builds, and, of course, a growing number of modern supercars.

Community and Connection

It’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals in your local area and celebrate the shared passion for all things automotive. These events are often more relaxed and community-focused, making them very enjoyable.

Driving these tracks in a simulator

Two of the circuits in this guide can be driven at home in a current sim, and the third has appeared in a racing game. Laguna Seca is in iRacing as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, rebuilt from new laser scan data for the 2026 Season 3 release; the Corkscrew is the corner to learn first. The Nordschleife is in iRacing too, as a track of its own and, if you own both, combined with the GP circuit, and iRacing has run a 24 hour special event on that combined layout. The Goodwood hill climb was added to Gran Turismo 6 in 2013.

The Nordschleife rewards preparation more than any of them: the Nordschleife in a simulator breaks it into sections, and learning a new track in three sessions gives a method that works for any circuit, and the racing line covers the basics for all three.

FAQs

What are supercar events?

Supercar events are gatherings or exhibitions that showcase high-performance, luxury sports cars known as supercars. These events often feature displays of the latest models, test drives, races, and other activities related to supercars.

What types of activities can be found at supercar events?

Supercar events may include activities such as track days, where participants can drive their own supercars on a race track, car shows featuring rare and exotic vehicles, test drives of the latest models, and even races or competitions showcasing the speed and performance of these vehicles.

Where are supercar events typically held?

Supercar events are often held at race tracks, exhibition centers, or other large venues that can accommodate the display and demonstration of high-performance vehicles. These events may take place in various locations around the world, including major cities and popular tourist destinations.

Who can attend supercar events?

Supercar events are typically open to the public, although some may require tickets or registration for certain activities. Enthusiasts, collectors, industry professionals, and anyone with an interest in supercars are welcome to attend these events.

What are some well-known supercar events?

Some well-known supercar events include the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, Monterey Car Week in California, the Nürburgring 24 Hours in Germany and Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace in England. These events attract car enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world.