Salisbury, 9 June 2025 — For many, the Goodwood Revival is a weekend drenched in nostalgia, period dress, and classic motorsport theatre. But among the thunderous roars of priceless racing machines, it’s the charming whirr of pedal cars that captures the hearts of spectators most. The Settrington Cup – a miniature grand prix starring Austin J40 pedal cars and fiercely determined young drivers – has become the most-watched race of the entire weekend. And now, your child has the opportunity to take centre stage in what could be the most remarkable chapter in the Cup’s history.
Austin Pedal Cars has announced a once-in-a-lifetime competition, offering one lucky child the chance to compete in the 2025 Settrington Cup – not in just any J40, but in the J40. This isn’t a reproduction or a replica. It’s the very same car awarded to young Ted French when he won the first-ever Austin Pedal Cars Junior Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1955. A car rich in racing history, carrying the patina of seven decades of love, laughter, and competition.
Ted French’s story is as endearing as the car itself. In 1955, he stood victorious on the Silverstone podium, clutching the keys – metaphorically, of course – to his prize: a gleaming new Austin J40 pedal car. Ted’s father worked on the car diligently, and it became a treasured possession throughout Ted’s childhood and beyond. Incredibly, the car remains with its original race number, a living artefact of pedal-powered motorsport.
It was during research for their award-winning book on the history of the J40 that the Austin Pedal Cars team met Ted, learning the touching story behind this legendary little machine. With 2025 marking the 70th anniversary of his win, the decision was made: this J40 deserved another moment of glory – and it had to happen at the Settrington Cup.
Lovingly and sympathetically restored by the team at Austin Pedal Cars, the 1955 J40 retains every inch of its well-earned character. While its mechanics will be finely tuned to race, its worn paint and original details will remain – a visual tribute to its journey from Silverstone to Goodwood.
The prize is nothing short of extraordinary. The winning child will race the J40 in both the Saturday and Sunday heats of the 2025 Settrington Cup. The family will receive four full-weekend tickets to the Goodwood Revival, official J40 merchandise, and an exclusive familiarisation session at Goodwood Motor Circuit to get to know the car before the big event.
“This is a very special prize,” said Mark Burnett, Managing Director of Austin Pedal Cars. “Not just for fans of the Austin J40, but for any family who wants to give their child the experience of a lifetime. While this car was built in 1955, it has been enjoyed throughout its life. Now sympathetically restored, it is sure to cause a stir throughout the Revival weekend. I encourage all families to enter now to be in with a chance of winning this once-in-a-lifetime prize.”
The competition is easy to enter and open now. For full details on how to be part of this incredible opportunity, visit [Austin Pedal Cars website or insert competition link].
Seventy years ago, a boy named Ted made pedal car history. In 2025, your child could do the same.
