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JOANNE CICONTE Eyes Historic Kyojo Cup Title as First Foreign Champion

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September 3, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • Melbourne’s JOANNE CICONTE sits third in Kyojo Cup points after dominant debut, scoring back-to-back podiums in May’s opening round despite never racing the KC-MG01 chassis or Fuji layout before tryouts.
  • LILOU WADOUX made history as first female Super GT podium finisher at Sugo for Ponos Racing, following Switzerland’s CYNDIE ALLEMANN who pioneered foreign female participation in GT300 competition.
  • CICONTE battles KCMG teammates MIKI ONAGA, RAMI SASAKI, and American KELSEY PINKOWSKI in four-car operation, overcoming language barriers through English-speaking crew and personal Japanese study efforts.
  • After qualifying eighth in July’s second round, CICONTE fought through the field for sixth and fourth-place finishes, demonstrating overtaking prowess while maintaining championship contention heading into final three rounds.

UPCOMING:

  • Kyojo Cup Round 3 at Fuji Speedway
  • Kyojo Cup Round 4 at Fuji Speedway
  • Kyojo Cup Round 5 at Fuji Speedway

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by MARCO ALBERTINI originally appearing on www.racers-behindthehelmet.com