Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals impacted by military service, is a cause very close to our hearts here at Burlen.
To support and raise awareness of Mission Motorsport this year, we have just launched new army green t-shirts which pay homage to the mighty Daimler Ferret armoured car.
All 100% of profits from these t-shirts go to the charity, and can be purchased here.
We’re very pleased to see that £150 is already in the donation pot for the charity through our t-shirt sales.
Last summer, 8-year-old Alyssa Thomas set out to break the world record for pedalling an Austin J40 pedal car the full 2.4 miles around Goodwood Motor Circuit. Alyssa decided to take on this challenge to raise money for Mission Motorsport - and our Austin Pedal Cars company division were there to help.
We volunteered to carry out much-needed repairs and TLC to the J40 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, 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!
Spurred on by the sons of Burlen and Austin Pedal Cars director, Mark Burnett, the two young gentlemen ran alongside Alyssa with sun umbrellas and water to keep her hydrated.
Alyssa smashed the previous Official Goodwood Pedal Car Lap Record by a whole ten minutes, in a finish time of 31 minutes and 51 seconds.
She was cheered across the finish line by a crowd of around 150 including beneficiaries, volunteers and friends of Mission Motorsport.
Alyssa’s initial fundraising target was £7,600 (about £2 for every metre pedalled of the lap) however she’s now up to a brilliant £8,642, with every penny going to the Mission Motorsport charity. Let’s help her reach £10,000 before September 2026 Goodwood Revival!
A huge thank you to Mission Motorsport for the incredible work they continue to do. Every one of the serving or former soldiers, sailors and airmen that engages with them goes on a journey that changes lives, not only of the individual themselves but also their families.
Please show your support by donating what you can to Mission Motorsport, and giving them a follow on social media – every little helps.
