MOTORING NEWS
Giuliana Saladino:
Breaking Barriers, One Lap at a Time
While most seven-year-olds are still learning to ride a bicycle, rising star Giuliana Saladino is practising turns, perfecting laps and turning heads in the local karting scene.
At just seven years old, Giuliana is proving that talent, discipline and focus can take you anywhere. With every lap she takes, she is defying expectations and boldly claiming her spot in a male dominated sport.
Her story is not just about speed but also about breaking barriers and championing more inclusion of women in motorsports.
Born to Race
In 2024, Giuliana delivered an unforgettable performance on the track, winning the Prokart SSS Championship in the Minions Class and taking 2nd in the Rok Cup South Africa Northern Regionals Championship. Her achievements have set her apart as one of the most promising young racers in karting.
Based in the Eastrand, Giuliana races with precision and instinct that far surpass her young age. Her fierce competitiveness, calm focus and remarkable skill have not gone unnoticed. Both Giuliana and her brother Matteo( 12) are proud sponsored Ambassadors for, Supa Quick, Liqui Moly, NGK Niterra SA, Kennedy Pro Tools, and Sparco.
These partnerships are a game changer for Giuliana’ s young career. They are crucial in moving her forwards and upwards as she is defending her Prokart SSS title currently and is stepping up to new challenges in the Rotax Micro Max class for 2026.
A Family Legacy
Behind Giuliana’ s success is a dedicated support system, her parents Giorgio and Natalie, and older brother Matteo, who continue to invest time, effort, and unwavering belief in her dream. Their involvement has been instrumental in shaping Giuliana’ s confidence and skill, proving that when young athletes are nurtured and supported, they can achieve extraordinary things.
Her story highlights not only talent but also the importance of early encouragement and family support in helping young girls pursue their ambitions in competitive environments.
Motorsport runs deep in Giuliana’ s family. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, legendary racer Larry Willford, she is not only carrying forward a proud legacy but also forging a path that’ s uniquely her own.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Giuliana begins her 2025 training in the Rotax Micro Max division and prepares for upcoming club races, she is more than ready to make her mark. Giuliana is not only an inspiration but also a symbol of a new generation of bold, fearless female athletes, and role models who are reshaping the future of motorsport.
WORDS IN ACTION 36 OCTOBER 2025