UPDATE

ALYSSA BREAKS THE LAP RECORD BY 10 MINS!

Alyssa completed her lap on Friday - and broke the lap record. We had to recalibrate expectations at the last moment when we found out that a lap record had actually been set by a young lad in 2020 (well done Leo!). That record was set at 41 mins - significantly quicker than the 50+ mins Alyssa was aiming for. But Alyssa absolutely went for it, and broke that time by 10 minutes - to everyone’s astonishment on the day.

She was cheered on over the line by around 150 former and serving armed forces personnel and MM volunteers, including 7 Chelsea Pensioners, as she set a new lap record of 31'51"; the Goodwood team, Mission Motorsport and the guys from Austin Pedal cars are still trying to get their heads around that - we all are.

It was a very hot day, with a track temperature around 35 degrees and full sun. The incline at St Mary's was hard work, but mini Rolos powered her through.

She was supported around the lap by the Goodwood film crew and the guys from Austin Pedal cars, who had done a cracking job refurbishing the J40 to original specification, as well as an Alvis 1250 tourer we press-ganged into support car duties at the last minute - there were moments when we had to jump on the Alvis' running boards to keep up with her, especially on the run down to Woodcote.

ORIGINAL STORY

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. Her initial fundraising target is £2 for every metre pedalled, so £7,600.

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/