As the overlanding experience takes more people outdoors than ever before, the interest in off-road vehicles has grown exponentially. Overall, the off-road segment in the US has shifted from niche to near-mainstream, blending outdoor lifestyle, vehicle performance, and consumer enthusiasm in ways that continue to expand the market. In a nod to this trend, Holley Performance Brands has announced a significant expansion of its annual Ford Fest, shifting the event from a primarily Mustang-focused gathering to a broader celebration of Ford vehicles across all segments. The 2025 edition of Ford Fest will feature a range of new programming designed specifically for platforms like the Bronco and F-150. This year marks the seventh annual iteration of the event, scheduled to take place from September 26–27 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky—also home to Holley’s corporate headquarters.
Previously held in collaboration with the NMRA World Finals, the 2025 Ford Fest will be operated solely by Holley Performance Brands, which has taken full ownership of the event. The transition represents a strategic move to expand the event’s scope and enhance the experience for a wider audience. According to Holley President and CEO Matthew Stevenson, the expansion is intended to reflect both the evolution of the Ford enthusiast community and the increasing popularity of truck and off-road performance.
Matthew Stevenson said,
“Modern truck and off-road event experiences have become some of our most popular. We’re pushing the limits this year with new off-road Bronco challenges and bigger truck competitions.”
One of the key additions to the event schedule is a suite of activities targeted at Bronco owners and off-road enthusiasts. These will include hands-on skill training, obstacle courses, and educational sessions focused on off-road driving techniques and vehicle recovery. The emphasis is not only on showcasing capable vehicles but also on improving driver preparedness and safety in challenging environments. For those drawn to performance in a straight line, a new drag racing category called Truck Warz will be introduced, offering truck owners a dedicated class to test their vehicles on the strip.
While new content has been added, many of the event’s longstanding highlights will return in 2025. Fans can expect the usual range of motorsports action, including drag racing, drift exhibitions, autocross competitions, and the ever-popular burnout contest. Another notable addition is a drag racing class centered around vehicles equipped with Ford’s 7.3-liter V8 engine, widely known as the Godzilla. The inclusion of this category underscores Holley’s support for late-model Ford performance platforms and allows enthusiasts to explore the engine’s tuning potential.
In addition to on-track activities and off-road demonstrations, the event will feature an extensive vendor area where attendees can browse the latest performance parts, tools, and safety gear from Holley’s portfolio of brands. These include Flowmaster exhaust systems tailored for various Ford vehicles and tuning products from DiabloSport and Edge.
Safety equipment from Simpson and RaceQuip, such as helmets, fire suits, and restraint systems, will also be displayed. Holley’s own EFI fuel management systems and Godzilla engine swap kits will be among the technical solutions showcased, providing insight into how builders can integrate modern performance into classic and contemporary Ford platforms.
With over 2,000 vehicles expected to participate and an estimated 20,000 attendees projected throughout the weekend, Ford Fest continues to establish itself as a premier destination for Ford fans.
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