The world of Forza Horizon 5 still sees millions of players in 2026, and the grind for Skill Points remains a core activity for unlocking valuable Car Mastery perks. Whether it’s for snagging rare cars, Super Wheelspins, or Forzathon Points, players are always looking for the fastest farming methods. Years after launch, one technique stands out as the most efficient: using the 1965 Hoonicorn Mustang’s unique multiplier to bank 10 Skill Points in just over a minute.
Skill Points are earned by building up Skill Chains—combos of driving feats like drifting, smashing objects, performing near misses, and catching air. The key is to maintain the chain until you “bank” it by coming to a complete stop without crashing. Normally, you need a 500,000-point chain to earn the maximum 10 Skill Points. That sounds daunting, but with the right car, the effective requirement drops dramatically.
The secret lies in the Car Mastery system. Many vehicles have perks that multiply Skill Chain scores. The Hoonicorn Mustang boasts an x8 multiplier, the highest available in the game. Essentially, this means that a chain showing only 63,000 points on the screen is actually worth over 500,000 after the multiplier is applied. Bank that, and you’ll receive 10 Skill Points instantly. Combine this with the Hoonicorn’s natural drift-friendly handling, and it becomes the undisputed champion of Skill Point farming.
But picking the right car is only half the battle. You need a setup that makes drifting effortless. Many players create or download a dedicated drift tune for the Hoonicorn, maximizing its sideways control and score multiplier. Then, you hit a suitable location. While Drift Zones anywhere on the map can work, the absolute best spot is the unused airstrip in the La Selva region, southwest on the map.
This airstrip is a flat, wide-open runway with no traffic to interrupt your chain. It’s lined with destructible objects like fences, signs, and crates—perfect for keeping your Skill Chain alive. Drift back and forth, gently clipping those small obstacles to rack up points. You’ll quickly reach the 63k mark. Once the multiplier is active (unlocked in the Hoonicorn’s mastery tree, so spend some initial points there), every drift and tap adds massive invisible points.
Here’s where a little-known exploit speeds things up even further. Normally, banking a Skill Chain requires you to wait a few seconds while the game tallies the score. At the airstrip, there’s a Drag Race event marker at the far end. After hitting your target chain, coast to a stop precisely on the event start point. Then, open the event menu—but don’t start the race. Instead, back out immediately. This action instantly banks the chain, skipping the countdown. You’ll see the 10 Skill Points added right away. Repeat the process: drive back down the runway, drift to build the chain again, and hit the same trick. In about one minute, you can have another 10 points. Over an hour, that’s upwards of 600 Skill Points—enough to unlock dozens of Car Mastery perks.
Players would be wise to spend these points strategically. Many cars in Forza Horizon 5 have Super Wheelspins hidden in their mastery trees. A Super Wheelspin grants three randomized rewards, which can include rare vehicles, large credit sums, horns, or cosmetic items. With 10 points, you can often unlock a Super Wheelspin from a common car’s tree, then immediately remove that car from your garage to repeat the process if desired. Focus on cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3, Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, or Mazda RX-7—they’ve historically been loaded with Wheelspin perks.
Additionally, the Skill Points can be used to unlock exclusive “secret” cars. Certain vehicles, when fully mastered, award you with a unique car not available elsewhere. For example, the Jaguar Sport XJR-15 from the nearby barn find (located next to the airstrip) has a perk that grants another rare vehicle. Farming Skill Points at the airstrip conveniently puts you right next to this barn find, streamlining the entire process.
In 2026, server-side patches haven’t removed the drag race trick; it remains functional as an intended (or at least tolerated) mechanic. The Hoonicorn Mustang is still widely considered the best farming car, though a few other vehicles with x7 multipliers can serve as budget alternatives until you unlock it. The key is to always have a drift tune installed and to farm in a clear area with destructible props.
To sum up this efficient method:
-
🚗 Car: 1965 Hoonicorn Mustang with x8 Skill Multiplier unlocked.
-
🛞 Tune: AWD drift tune for easy control.
-
📍 Location: La Selva airstrip, southwestern map.
-
🎯 Technique: Drift while smashing small objects; build a 63,000-point chain.
-
⚡ Speed trick: Stop on the Drag Race event marker, open and close the event to instantly bank points.
This routine has become second nature for many dedicated Forza Horizon 5 players. It’s not glamorous, but it’s consistent and reliable. And with new content and rare car rotations still appearing in 2026, the demand for Skill Points remains high. Whether you’re chasing a barn find, collecting Super Wheelspins, or simply hoarding points for future Car Mastery updates, the Hoonicorn-airstrip method is the gold standard.
Remember, though, that farming can get monotonous. To keep things fresh, switch between the airstrip and your favorite Drift Zone, or challenge yourself to build chains with clean driving instead of constant destruction. But when pure efficiency is the goal, nothing beats the sight of that Hoonicorn sliding across the runway, grinding out points faster than any other car in the Festival.
Forza Horizon 5 continues to thrive on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, and this farming strategy remains one of the game’s most valuable time-savers. So grab your Hoonicorn, head to La Selva, and start banking those Skill Points.
As the gaming community continues to expand and evolve, finding ways to enhance your experience without breaking the bank has become crucial. Many players are constantly searching for the best deals on games and in-game items, especially when it comes to expanding their collections in titles like Forza Horizon 5. Whether you're looking to unlock new vehicles or simply want to try out different games, having access to affordable options can significantly enrich your gaming journey.
For those eager to explore more titles or acquire additional in-game content, discovering platforms that offer cost-effective solutions is invaluable. DealNest is a prime destination for gamers seeking the cheapest steam keys. With a wide range of options available, it's an ideal resource for anyone looking to maximize their gaming experience while keeping expenses in check. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the scene, DealNest ensures you're always ready for your next adventure without stretching your budget.