Whitsunday local student Jure Portelli has been one of eight girls selected for the international FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program.
Having competed in kart racing for just over two years, Jure’s made a quick ascent to fame, with 30 podium finishes, and 20 first place wins in 2022 alone.
She initially began in karts that her parents wanted to teach her to drive before getting her license, with no motorsport background.
She then progressed to faster vehicles.
The FIA Girls on Track Rising Star Program is a collaboration between the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) and the Ferrari Driver Academy and aims to identify and nurture female racing talent from ages 12 to 16 years.
Jure is one of eight 14- to 16-year-old girls from around the world to be selected and will attend a training camp held in Italy in September.
At the camp, the girls will be judged on their performance, and the one deemed most talented and promising has the opportunity to become the next female diver to compete in Formula 4, with support from the Iron Dames team in 2024.
“Being a girl in a male dominated sport has its hurdles but most boys have been supportive off the track,” said Jure.
Competing at this level can be expensive and Jure is always on the lookout for local sponsors, partners, and those wanting to support with a financial contribution to help her on her journey.
Jure Portelli breached the racing world with no motorsport experience
Being selected for the FIA Girls on Track Program gives Jure the chance of a lifetime
Jure now has the chance to compete in Formula 4. Photos supplied
