Strand on the Green Schoolgirl Wins 'Cutest Race in the World'
7-year-old Devon excels during Goodwood Revival's Settrington Cup
Devon powers into the lead. Picture: Nick Dungan
September 19, 2025
Seven-year-old Devon Isabel Baker from Chiswick has won a race at the Settrington Cup event during this year’s Goodwood Revival, a pedal car race widely celebrated as the “cutest race in the world.”
Competing in an Austin J40 pedal car, Devon raced to victory down the Pit Lane Straight this Sunday (14 September), capping off a weekend of vintage motorsport and celebration.
Devon, a pupil at Strand on the Green Juniors, was one of dozens of children aged 4 to 11 who took part in the Le Mans-style sprint, which begins with a running start before the young drivers leap into their cars and pedal the 220-metre course. Her victory in the second race of the day left her in seventh position overall. The event is named after the Duke of Richmond’s title, Baron of Settrington, and has become a beloved fixture of the Revival weekend.
Before she set off, Devon was given some advice by none other than Sir Jackie Stewart.
Devon’s mother, Sonya, runs The YOU Clinic in Chiswick, and she was sponsored by Merlin, founder of Duke of London, a classic car business based in Brentford.
The Settrington Cup is known not just for its charm but for its competitive spirit, with grid positions drawn by lot and reversed on the second day to ensure fairness. Devon’s performance stood out among a field of enthusiastic young racers, many of whom were dressed in period attire to match the event’s vintage theme.
Sir Jackie Stewart gives Devon some tips. Picture: Nick Dungan
The 2025 Goodwood Revival, held from 12–14 September, featured a packed programme of historic racing, tributes, and cultural showcases. While the event honoured motorsport legends like Jim Clark and celebrated milestones such as the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the centenary of Alfa Romeo’s championship win, it was Devon’s pedal-powered triumph that captured hearts.
Devon after her win with her proud mum Sonya
Her win adds a local highlight to a weekend that also saw appearances from racing greats including Jenson Button, Jacques Villeneuve, and Dario Franchitti, as well as cultural figures like Dita Von Teese and Richard E. Grant.
The next Goodwood Revival is scheduled for 18–20 September 2026.
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