GIULIANA SALADINO First Female Driver in Africa to Pilot Rotax E10 Kart

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July 13, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • GIULIANA SALADINO, 8, shattered barriers at Zwartkops on July 5 as Africa’s first female Rotax E10 electric kart pilot, marking watershed moment for continent’s junior motorsport and new electric racing platform.
  • Young phenom already carries serious credentials: back-to-back Prokart SSS titles (2024-2025), second-place Rok Cup Nationals finish in Tillotson Cadets, competing in ultra-competitive Micro Max class against older drivers.
  • Rotax South Africa’s JENNIFER VERHEUL emphasized historic significance beyond single achievement, positioning electric karting as accessibility game-changer with quieter operation drawing wider participant base to grassroots development.
  • SALADINO backed by strong commercial support from Supa Quick, Liqui Moly, Sparco, Gedore Tools while balancing school commitments. Rotax E10 Challenge continues August 8 and 30 at Zwartkops with qualifying rounds.

UPCOMING:

  • Rotax E10 Challenge Qualifying – Zwartkops Raceway – August 8, 2026
  • Rotax E10 Challenge Qualifying – Zwartkops Raceway – August 30, 2026

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by admin originally appearing on www.motorsport.co.za