In 2025, Defender Rally unveiled a prototype of what would become the Defender Dakar D7X-R at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. A year later, the Stock rally raider will return to Goodwood House with a Dakar class win under its belt.

It will participate in the Goodwood Hillclimb and Off-Road Arena. Defender will also offer the Defender Perfect Pass rugby contest at its exhibit, tying into its partnership with the English rugby team.

“Goodwood offers the perfect platform to bring Defender to life,” said Defender UK director Leonie Raistrick. “With the Dakar‑winning D7X‑R on display and a wider line‑up spanning heritage and modern icons, we’re celebrating what makes Defender unique. Alongside our off‑road experiences and rugby activations, this is an opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the brand and experience its capability and character first‑hand.”

Defender is the only Stock team running the full World Rally-Raid Championship, making the class a battle between its three drivers. Rokas Baciuška currently leads the standings with a win at the Dakar Rally followed by Stéphane Peterhansel, who’s won the two other races in Portugal and Argentina, and Sara Price.

Peterhansel’s Defender Dakar D7X‑R from the season opener will be on display at the Defender exhibit. He and his teammates are also expected to appear.

Besides the D7X-R, Land Rover Classic will bring out some of its products. The new 2027 Defender is slated to be revealed as well with what JLR calls the “most significant visual update to Defender since its 2020 launch”.

One of the main themes for the 2026 Festival of Speed is the Dakar Rally and its history. Other rally raiders set to appear include Toyota Gazoo Racing with its Toyota DKR GR Hilux, Gazelles Offroad Team’s 1988 Land Rover 110, and a Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid along with a Citroën ZX Rallye Raid from 205 Africa Raid.

Featured image credit: Edoardo Bauer / Edophoto / DPPI / ASO