When 8-year-old Alyssa decided to raise awareness and funds for Mission Motorsport, she knew straight away that she wanted to use her cherished J40 pedal car. Having raced it in the Settrington Cup at the Goodwood Revival a couple of times, she wrote to the Duke of Richmond and her friends at Goodwood to tell them about her idea. Between them, they all soon decided on a great challenge - to set a pedal car lap record at the Goodwood circuit in the J40.

It's a pretty tough assignment. The Settrington Cup is run between the Chicane and Start Line along the flat Start-Finish straight at Goodwood for about 250m. A full lap of the circuit is 3.8km, and it’s certainly not flat. While the elevation changes aren’t too significant in a 350BHP Jaguar E-Type at the Revival, they are certainly noticeable – and a major challenge in an original near 50kg J40 powered by an 8-year-old child.

It is going to take quite a lot of training from young Alyssa. The path round her local park measures 1.3km, and luckily it has similar elevation changes to the Goodwood circuit – an ideal training ground. Preparation began in late March, with a first run of 2km, so we knew that it was possible, albeit hard work. But Alyssa is absolutely determined: “It’s going to be very hard,” she said after her first training run, “but I’m going to give it my best.”

And Alyssa isn’t taking any short cuts. For the Goodwood lap record attempt, her J40 will be running as it does for the Settrington Cup: original and standard, including battery, spark plugs and functioning lights. And only she will be allowed to touch the car during the lap.

The lap record attempt will be made on 13 June at Mission Motorsport’s Meyrick Cox Memorial Day at the circuit, and Alyssa hopes to complete the 3.8km lap in around an hour, while the track is closed at lunchtime.

Mission Motorsport supports veterans, their families, and the Armed Forces community by using motorsport to inspire recovery, rehabilitation, and successful transitions into civilian life. Through vocational training, motorsport engagement, and community connection, we help rebuild confidence, create opportunities, and foster resilience.

Your donation powers life-changing programs for veterans and their loved ones. Together, we can drive brighter futures for those who’ve served.

Donate today and make an impact!

The team at Austin Pedal Cars will be supporting Alyssa on her epic quest. They will also be doing their best to ensure that Alyssa’s J40 will be in fine fettle and running as smoothly as possible

https://www.austinpedalcars.com/