Ready - set - pedal! Last summer, 8-year-old Alyssa set out to break the world record for pedalling an Austin J40 pedal car the full 2.4 miles around Goodwood Motor Circuit. Austin Pedal Cars were here to help.
Alyssa took on the challenge to raise money for Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity which supports the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals impacted by military service.
Not only did she brave this incredible feat on a blisteringly hot summer’s day, but she shattered the previous record by a whole ten minutes, in a finish time of 31 minutes and 51 seconds.
With pure pedal power and determination, Alyssa navigated Goodwood Motor Circuit’s famous bends, straights, and challenging chicane in a classic red Austin J40 pedal car.
“That was the hardest and most fun thing I have ever done”, said Alyssa. “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 seems so much longer against the clock, but I kept going as fast as my legs would go”.
Spurred on by the sons of Austin Pedal Cars director, Mark Burnett, the two young gentlemen ran alongside Alyssa with sun umbrellas and water to keep her hydrated.
After months of training prior to the event, the pedal car was in need of repairs and safety checks. Austin Pedal Cars volunteered to carry out these repairs in our Salisbury factory, to get the car race-ready and ensure it ran as smoothly as possible for this amazing charity cause.
Some of the repairs carried out by us included: fitting new tyres, a new steering wheel, battery strap, rubber grip, front and rear axles, stub axles and hubs and roller bearings.
We also fitted and wired a new battery and toggle light switch, and carried out a horn and lights check.
Once completed to the very highest standards by our pedal car restoration experts, we delivered the pedal car - in pristine condition - to the track on the morning of the lap record at Goodwood, finally fitting the brand new bumpers and numberplates as the cherry on top!
No stranger to the Settrington Cup, in which Alyssa had raced in twice before, she was familiar with the strict vehicle and safety regulations of the Cup – which also applied for the lap record completion.
Every official Austin J40 Pedal Car is historically verified for originality, and is eligible to race in the Settrington Cup.
Alyssa’s initial fundraising target was £7,600 (about £2 for every metre pedalled of the lap) however she has now raised a fantastic £8,642, with every penny going to the Mission Motorsport charity.
Can we help her reach £10,000 before 2026 Goodwood Revival? Here is the link to Alyssa’s fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/page/j40-goodwood-lap-record
Looking for pedal car parts? We specialise in the manufacture and supply of official Austin J40 pedal car parts and accessories and offer the world’s largest selection of in-stock parts available for immediate dispatch.
