Two Aussie Racers Join Japan's All-Female Racing Series

Two talented Australian racers are about to write a new chapter in their motorsports careers at one of Japan's most iconic racing venues.

Joanne Ciconte and Paige Raddatz will compete in the Kyojo Cup this weekend, an all-female racing series held at the legendary Fuji Speedway. The pair earned their spots through a competitive audition process last December, proving their skills against drivers from around the world.

Ciconte, who raced in the F1 Academy last year, has joined Hong Kong-based team KCMG. The teenager isn't just focused on this season but has her eyes on an even bigger prize: Japan's Super Formula series, which has launched the careers of current Formula 1 drivers Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly.

"The Kyojo Cup cars are faster and quite different to the F1 Academy cars," Ciconte said. "I am in full confidence with the team, and I'm really excited to get back on track."

For her debut season, Ciconte aims to compete in the top five and secure some podiums. More importantly, she wants to focus on learning quickly and tracking her progress as a driver.

Raddatz, a 21-year-old Sydneysider, brings a different background to the series. She's an accomplished kart racer who made the transition to open-wheel formula racing just last year, competing in India's F4 series where she collected multiple top-10 finishes.

Driving for Fujisan Shizuoka Racing, Raddatz acknowledges she's less experienced than some competitors but remains confident. "At the end of the day, it's an open-wheel race car so the driving technique is much the same," she said.

Why This Inspires

These two drivers represent something bigger than just personal achievement. They're part of a growing contingent of young Australian women proving themselves on international racing circuits, opening doors for the next generation of female motorsports talent.

The Kyojo Cup runs as a single-make series, meaning all drivers compete in identical cars, putting pure skill front and center. With five rounds scheduled at Fuji Speedway throughout the season, both Australians will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their abilities and grow as racers.

Their journey shows that when talent meets opportunity, barriers start to fall.