CIV Junior, rising star Britanni belladonna Vaccarino

CIV Junior, rising star Britanni belladonna Vaccarino

The Aprilia Sport Production round at Varano brought the debut of a young female rider from America. Fourteen years of age, number 34 like Kevin Schwantz and a clear plan – to become a professional rider, just like Ana Carrasco

23.06.2021 ( Aggiornata il 23.06.2021 19:37 )

From Miami to Varano de’ Melegari, from Florida to Emilia, from the US to CIV Junior. And Britanni Vaccarino’s journey has only just begun. The young American rider, otherwise known as belladonna, has come to Italy with a clear plan. A native of Hollywood – a district that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean – Britanni competed as a wildcard in the Aprilia Sport Production Trophy, in the SP1 class.

In her immaculate leathers, her plaited hair visible under her helmet, the fourteen-year old explains how her personal dream came about: "My passion for riding began when I was very young, at two and a half. I started racing at four, with a Polini 911. Then from the 50cc I moved up to a 65. And then I rode a Honda NSF 250, before coming to the Aprilia Sport Production. I’ll also race in the European Women’s Cup”.

Why Italy?

"The level in the junior categories is not the same in America as it is in Europe. In the US, a good rookie can immediately reach the top ten, even when racing for the first time. While here the level of competition is really high. This is why I’m pleased to be lining up with the young Italian talents. Their riding has taught me a lot and it’s a pleasure to be in Italy, it’s very different to America”.

Number 34, like a fellow American


Britanni didn’t feature in the standings at the end of the third round because she competed as a wildcard. She is nevertheless pleased with her results: “I finished inside the points, and I’m pleased because it was my debut race at a track I’d never seen, riding a bike I didn’t know. In order to be quicker with the Aprilia, I’m going to do some specific training, which will help me on my growth path".

A professional approach. Do you have any racing heroes?

"I’ve always admired Kevin Schwantz and his way of riding. He was incredible, and he still is, the way he can control the bike. The move he made on Wayne Rainey, another great, at Hockenheim is unforgettable. Incredible. I want to learn as much as possible from Kevin, but not just him, as I also want to learn from Moto3, Moto2 and Rookies Cup riders. I’m constantly trying to improve”.

Carrasco gives hope to all girls


Anyone in the two-wheeled world knows about Ana Carrasco of course, and Vaccarino talks about the Spaniard with great enthusiasm: “I’m proud to know that a girl has raised female motorcycling to such a level. She is a source of inspiration to so many girls, because she’s shown us that the impossible can be made possible. If we really want to achieve a goal, we can do it. This is what Ana Carrasco teaches us. Thanks to her, women’s riding has taken another step up and I’m pleased and feel confident, thinking that one day we might see women on the MotoGP grid”.

What are you doing to achieve your dream?

“I’m focused on my level, and am working hard to raise it. I’m taking it very seriously. I’m focused, because moving away from home and being so far away is not easy, in fact it’s a big sacrifice. America is the other side of the world and home will always be home. But I want to feel good here and give it my all. I’ll train to be quick on the asphalt, also by training off-road. Like the champions do".

Translated by Heather Watson

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