At only seven-years old Giuliana Saladino is taking the carting scene by storm.
Image: Supplied
Meet Giuliana Saladino. She’s only seven years old, but remember her name because, judging by her record, she’s going to be another South African to make a mark in motorsport.
Women in motorsport have come a long way in the last few years, and it’s not uncommon to turn on the television and hear female names behind the wheel and also commentating.
There have been many challenges, like the need for equal pay and commercial opportunities, like those afforded to most male sporting codes.
Karting marvel
Described as a karting marvel in a male-dominated sport, she sets the racing agenda with lots of help from her parents.
Her impressive list of achievements includes:
- 2024 Prokart SSS Championship winner in the Minions class.
- Winner of the fastest lap trophy in the Prokart SSS Championship.
Second place in the 2024 Rok Cup South Africa Nationals Championship in the Tillotson Cadets.
Signed new sponsors for the 2025 season, including Supa Quick, Liqui Moly, NGK Niterra SA, Kennedy Tools, and Sparco.
This year, she is starting to train in Rotax Micro Max for club races.
In her blood
Racing is in Saladino’s blood with her grandfather, Larry Wilford, a racing legend around South African circuits, having been in the sport for over fifty years, while her brother, Matteo, 11, is also a talented kart racer.
Giuliana Saladino quickly made her mark finishing third in the 2023 SSS Championship, which was also her rookie year.
Image: Supplied
Based out of the Vereeniging Karting Club, she quickly made her mark, finishing third in the 2023 SSS Championship, which was also her rookie year.
Giuliana’s mom, Natalie, was exposed to late workshop nights with her dad teaching her how to use the tools and exercises like bleeding brakes, which captivated her interest in the sport.
She wasn’t allowed to participate in motorsport herself, but she makes sure her kids get to realise their shared passion for the sport.
Proud mom
According to Natalie, her daughter’s interest was cemented when she was found in the garage, pretending to be racing in her brother’s kart.
In 2022, aged four, Giuliana’s parents presented her with her first kart. She promptly gave it the number 4. Not because she’s a Lando Norris fan, she’s a diehard Ferrari fan, but because she was four.
“The track is my happy place,” said Natalie
“We are immensely proud of her. Her ambition, dedication, and drive to excel in her sport. She doesn’t do it for anyone but herself. It brings her pure joy and a sense of achievement being on the track.
“She wants to become an inspiration and role model for other boys and girls.”
Giuliana Saladino striking a pose in her race suit.
Image: Supplied
“Always keen for one more session on practice days, Natalie says the young starlet has learnt to be a humble winner and gracious loser.
“At the tender age of seven, she can joke with her peers and have in-depth conversations with adults about the sport. Karting has brought about a maturity in her. A maturity that is important when dealing with speed, risk and awareness of not only yourself but everyone around you.
“When she was 4, she would watch Drive to Survive and say things like, 'I want to be in that movie, mommy'."
She recently attracted interest from international driver academies that focus on female drivers, like More Than Equal and Iron Dames Young Talent, which are tracking her development and progress, and have requested her application for their programs when she is eligible.
So, remember her name … Giuliana Saladino