Zoe Florescu
Karting racing //
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Zoe Florescu-Potolea discovered karting at 8, won silver at International Karting Masters in 2021, claimed multiple Italian Championship podiums, and now races KZ2 category.
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No shortcuts, you must race with the best at every stage
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FULL BIO: Zoe Florescu
Zoe Florescu-Potolea is a rising star in karting who discovered her passion at age 8 and has built an impressive racing resume across Italy and Romania. Known for her determination and no-shortcuts philosophy, she competes at the highest levels of European karting while balancing education with her racing ambitions.
EARLY YEARS
Born December 23, 2008, Zoe holds both Romanian and American citizenship and splits her time between Bucharest, Romania, and Desenzano del Garda, Italy. Her multicultural upbringing includes parents Madeleine and Radu Florescu-Potolea, sister Lara, and family pets—a dog named Marocco and a cat named May. Her introduction to motorsports came through serendipity when Constantin Raileanu, a family friend connected to Real Racing Team, organized karting camps at La Conca Race Track in Italy. At just eight years old in October 2016, Zoe took her first laps and was immediately hooked. To accommodate her racing schedule, she studies at Minerva Virtual Academy for Athletes, an online school designed for young competitors who need educational flexibility.
OTHER INTERESTS
While karting dominates her schedule, Zoe shares her home with beloved pets that hint at her affection for animals. Her multicultural background has made her fluent in multiple languages, though specific details about hobbies beyond racing remain private as she focuses intensely on her motorsports career.
EARLY SUCCESS
Zoe’s racing journey began in earnest with her first official race in September 2018 at Karting Masters in Bucharest, competing in the Mini category at age 9. That debut was, in her words, “very eventful” with crashes and equipment issues, but she “never gave up” and “left that weekend wanting to do it again.” By May 2019, she was racing internationally at Pista Azzura in Jesolo, Italy. Her progression was remarkable—over 50 events in just her first three years of karting from 2016 to 2019. By 2019, she was running her first full season with Real Racing Team, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on track.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2021: 2nd place (silver medal) at International Karting Masters
- 2024: Multiple podium finishes in Italian Karting Championship at La Conca
- 2024: Winner of Junior #GirlsOnTrack competition, leading to association with Tony Kart team
- 2025: 3rd place finish in third round of ACI Italian Karting Championship
INSPIRATIONS
Constantin Raileanu, the family friend who first introduced her to karting through Real Racing Team, remains a key influence in her career development. Beyond that initial mentorship, Zoe’s philosophy centers on racing against the best competition at every level, believing there are “no shortcuts” to reaching the top. Her emotional connection to La Conca Race Track, where her journey began, continues to motivate her as she returns there for significant races.
REPUTATION
The Italian karting community views Zoe as a consistent and disciplined young talent with remarkable maturity for her age. Media coverage consistently highlights her determination and professional mindset, particularly her insistence on competing with the best drivers regardless of gender. She’s gained recognition as one of the rising female stars in motorsport, earning respectful coverage that focuses on her talent and work ethic rather than novelty. Industry observers note her steady progression through increasingly competitive categories and her ability to deliver podium performances under pressure.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Currently racing in the demanding KZ2 category with Birel Art Racing Team under an Italian racing license, Zoe continues competing in the ACI Italian Karting Championship throughout 2025. She maintains her residence between Italy and Romania while pursuing her education through Minerva Virtual Academy. While she hasn’t publicly outlined specific long-term career goals, her commitment to racing at the highest levels and recent podium successes suggest ambitions that extend well beyond karting into higher formulae of motorsport.
References:
Official personal website biography
Vroomkart.com interview, May 29, 2024
Ferrari Driver Academy Instagram repost
Females in Motorsport rising stars feature, December 18, 2022
Zoe Florescu Potolea Instagram race results, June 12, 2025
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