Susanna Raganelli
Karting racing // Rome, Italy
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Susanna Raganelli, Italian racing pioneer, won 1966 World Karting Championship. Born 1946, her family’s motorsport heritage shaped her early interest in racing.
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FULL BIO: Susanna Raganelli
Susanna Raganelli is an Italian former racing driver who made history as the only female to win a four-wheel World Championship when she claimed the 100cc Karting World Championship in 1966.
EARLY YEARS
Born on February 21, 1946, in Rome, Italy, Susanna grew up immersed in the automotive world. Her father, Cesare Raganelli, was a local Alfa Romeo car dealer, which significantly influenced her early exposure to motorsports and naturally introduced her to racing at a young age.
EARLY SUCCESS
Raganelli’s natural talent in karting quickly became evident as she rose through the ranks of Italian motorsport. Her family’s connection to the racing world fostered her involvement in karting competitions, allowing her to develop the skills that would later make her a world champion.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1965: Won the Italian 100cc Super championship[2].
- 1966: Won the 100cc Karting World Championship at the Amager circuit in Copenhagen, Denmark[5].
- 1966: Helped Italy win the European Nation’s Championship, the country’s third consecutive title[2].
REPUTATION
Despite her groundbreaking achievement as a world champion, Susanna’s name remains relatively unknown both among the general public and within the karting community. Her racing history was quickly forgotten after her retirement, largely due to the male-dominated nature of motorsport during the 1960s and limited documentation of her career.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
References:
Wikipedia: Susanna Raganelli
TKart Magazine: The Story of Susanna Raganelli
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