ALYSSA SMASHES GOODWOOD PEDAL CAR LAP RECORD BY 10 MINUTES!

In an extraordinary show of grit, determination, and pedal power, 8-year-old Alyssa has set a blistering new lap record for a pedal car around the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit – clocking in at 31 minutes and 51 seconds, smashing the previous record by a remarkable 10 minutes.

Originally aiming for a time somewhere north of 50 minutes, Alyssa and her support team were surprised to learn that the standing record – set in 2020 by young Leo – was a much faster 41 minutes. But far from being daunted, Alyssa rose to the challenge in dramatic fashion on a scorching summer Friday, leaving spectators stunned and spirits soaring.

Cheered across the finish line by a crowd of around 150 including beneficiaries, volunteers and friends of the charity, Alyssa’s achievement was as heart warming as it was impressive. The atmosphere was electric as she powered home in the lovingly restored Austin J40 pedal car, supported by a vintage Alvis 1250 tourer—which struggled to keep up at times!

What makes the feat even more astonishing is the weight of the car itself – a hefty 50kg. Pedalling that kind of mass around the 2.4-mile circuit, in 35°C track temperatures and full sun, was no small task. The notorious incline at St Mary’s tested her endurance, but mini Rolos – her secret weapon – kept her fuelled and focused. Alyssa said, “That was the hardest and most fun thing I have ever done. 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!”

The J40 had been painstakingly refurbished by the team at Austin Pedal Cars to original specification, and the support around the lap included the Goodwood film crew and volunteers who helped ensure everything ran smoothly. There were even moments when the support team had to leap onto the Alvis’ running boards just to keep pace with her on the final stretch to Woodcote.

James Cameron, CEO of Mission Motorsport added; “We are all so proud of the efforts of Alyssa on what was a very hot and humid day. Her determination and perseverance was an inspiration to us all and not only did her efforts raise a huge amount for our charity, but it also perfectly encapsulated what the day is all about.“

As the dust settles and the stopwatch is double-checked (again), there’s only one thing everyone agrees on: Alyssa didn’t just complete the challenge – she completely smashed it!

Alyssa’s fundraiser will remain open right up until the Goodwood Revival in September, where she will once again compete in the Settringham cup. . Every penny raised will go towards Mission Motorsport’s programs, giving veterans the skills and support they need to thrive.