Forget your V8s and turbo-charged beasts for a moment; the real horsepower hero at Goodwood recently came in a decidedly more compact, two-pedal package. Eight-year-old Alyssa, a dynamo from London, has officially redefined “pedal to the metal,” shattering the 3.8km Goodwood pedal car lap record by an astonishing 10 minutes on Friday, 13th June, a date clearly lucky for some diminutive speed demons. Her weapon of choice? A cherished Austin J40, expertly fettled by the wizards at Austin Pedal Cars, which she piloted around the iconic circuit in a blistering 31 minutes and 51 seconds .
This wasn’t just any leisurely park spin. Alyssa, already a veteran of the Goodwood Revival Settrington Cup race, took on the full, daunting 3.8km lap (a good 3.5km longer than her usual pedal car dash) complete with all its challenging corners and gradients. She undertook this Herculean (for little legs) task during the lunch break of Mission Motorsport’s Meyrick Cox Day, an event held to raise money for The Forces’ Motorsport Charity. As the sun blazed down, Alyssa, fresh from months of “fearless” training around her local park, set off with a look of pure determination, her legs a blur as she powered down the main straight to the cheers of the crowd. “That was the hardest and most fun thing I have ever done,” she declared, adding, “It was so hot, and the track seems so much longer against the clock, but I kept going as fast as my legs would go!” . One can only imagine the sheer grit required to keep those pedals churning, seemingly “ignorant to the midday sun”.
The J40 experts at Austin Pedal Cars had given Alyssa’s classic racer a thorough overhaul, ensuring it was not only running smoothly but also met the stringent scrutineers’ guidelines, presumably checking for any illicit cookie-fueled turbo-boosters. Their efforts clearly paid off, allowing Alyssa to focus on the mammoth task at hand.
Beyond the glory of a new record, Alyssa’s pedal-powered feat was a triumph for Mission Motorsport. James Cameron of the charity expressed immense pride: “Her determination and perseverance was an inspiration to us all and not only did her efforts raise a huge amount for the charity, but it also perfectly encapsulated what the day is all about”. So far, her incredible efforts have amassed an amazing £7,800 for Mission Motorsport, with fundraising set to continue through to the Goodwood Revival in September . Every penny will support the charity’s vital work, providing veterans with skills and support to thrive. Mission Motorsport, operating under the motto “Race, Retrain, Recover,” serves as the MoD’s competent authority for motorsport as a recovery activity and aids service leavers in finding employment within the automotive industry, even offering qualifications and apprenticeships . They’ve already helped over 2000 veterans into employment.
For other aspiring young racers dreaming of Goodwood glory, Austin Pedal Cars is stoking the fires of competition. They’re offering a chance for a lucky child to race a special 1955 Austin J40 in the 2025 Settrington Cup at the Goodwood Revival . The prize is a veritable pedal-pusher’s dream, including weekend tickets, race entries, merchandise, and a pre-Revival familiarisation pedal at the circuit. Austin Pedal Cars is not just about current racers; they also delve into the rich history of these charming vehicles, with their definitive book on the Austin J40 even snagging the prestigious Royal Automobile Club Book of the Year award in 2024.
Alyssa’s record-breaking lap is a heartwarming showcase of youthful determination, the enduring magic of pedal power, and the incredible impact of dedicated charities like Mission Motorsport. It’s a reminder that heroes come in all sizes, and sometimes, the biggest victories are powered by the smallest legs on the grandest stages.
