Alyssa Smashes Goodwood Pedal Car Lap Record
On Friday, 13 June, eight-year-old Alyssa from London rewrote Goodwood pedal car history when she powered her cherished Austin J40 round the full 3.8 km Goodwood Motor Circuit in 31 minutes 51 seconds, slashing the previous lap record by ten minutes. She tackled the challenge during the lunch break of Mission Motorsport’s annual Meyrick Cox Day, turning her drive for speed into a drive for support by fundraising for The Forces’ Motorsport Charity. A veteran of the Settrington Cup at Goodwood Revival, Alyssa faced 3.5 km more tarmac than the junior race usually demands, complete with every gradient, bend and the famous chicane.
Austin Pedal Cars prepared the miniature racer with original-spec parts and meticulous know-how, ensuring it met the exacting Settrington Cup scrutineering standard. Under a blazing midsummer sun, Alyssa launched down the main straight, her legs pumping relentlessly while cheers echoed round the circuit. She never eased off, carving through each corner and surging through the chicane before crossing the line to rousing applause.
“That was the hardest and most fun thing I have ever done“, she declared. “I kept pedalling as fast as I could, knowing each corner was getting me closer to the finish. It was so hot, and the track seemed so much longer against the clock, but I kept going as fast as my legs would go!
Mission Motorsport’s James Cameron praised her grit: “We are all so proud of the efforts of Alyssa on what was a very hot and humid day. Her determination and perseverance were an inspiration to us all. Not only did her efforts raise a considerable amount for the charity, but they also perfectly encapsulated what the day is all about.
Her record ride has already generated £7,800 for Mission Motorsport, and donations will continue to roll in until the Goodwood Revival this September, funding programmes that equip veterans with vital skills and support. Meanwhile, Austin Pedal Cars now invites aspiring young racers to follow in Alyssa’s tyre tracks: one lucky winner will pilot a 1955 Austin J40 in the 2025 Settrington Cup at Goodwood Revival, enjoy four weekend tickets, double-header races and exclusive merchandise, plus a familiarisation session on the historic circuit.
