The 2026 Canberra Festival of Speed, taking place January 31st and February 1st at Thoroughbred Park, will showcase two legendary vehicles: Alan Jones’ 1985 Lola-Hart THL1 Formula 1 car and Larry Perkins’ 1997 Bathurst 1000-winning Holden Commodore. These machines represent pivotal moments in Australian motorsport history and are expected to draw significant crowds to the third annual event.
Formula 1 Heritage: Alan Jones’ Lola-Hart THL1
The Lola-Hart THL1 is notable as the car in which Alan Jones completed his 100th Formula 1 World Championship start at the inaugural Adelaide Grand Prix. He was also the last Australian to win the F1 World Championship, taking the title in 1980. This car stands as a reminder of Australia’s past success in top-tier motorsport, a gap that current drivers like Oscar Piastri are striving to fill.
V8 Supercars Glory: Perkins’ 1997 Bathurst Commodore
Alongside the F1 car, the 1997 Holden Commodore VS driven by Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall will be on display. This vehicle secured Perkins’ sixth Bathurst 1000 victory and marked the final win for both drivers at Mount Panorama. The 1997 race was also significant as the last competitive outing for Peter Brock, though his Commodore suffered mechanical failure during the event.
Event Details and Economic Impact
The Festival of Speed has quickly grown into a major motorsport event, attracting over 16,000 attendees in 2025 and showcasing vehicles worth an estimated $100 million. Nearly half of the attendees come from outside the Australian Capital Territory, making the festival a substantial tourism driver for the region.
Beyond F1 and Bathurst: A Broader Motorsport Showcase
The event will feature over 200 entries, including other historic Australian touring cars and a diverse range of motorsport machinery. Notable additions include John Bowe’s 2001 Ford Falcon AU, known for its Caterpillar livery, and the infamous OzEmail-sponsored Brad Jones Racing Falcon that suffered a dramatic rollover at the 2000 Adelaide Supercars event. Mr. Bowe is also the event’s official ambassador.
The inclusion of these iconic cars and broader motorsport representation underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating Australia’s racing heritage. The event provides a unique opportunity for fans to see these vehicles up close and appreciate their significance in motorsport history.
Tickets are now available for purchase through the official event website, ensuring motorsport enthusiasts can witness this historic gathering firsthand.
