Racing Against the Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Valentina Funes
- Ariana Arguedas Bermúdez
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
From the quiet town of Lezama in Argentina to the roaring circuits of South America, Valentina Funes is steering her destiny one lap at a time. In a sport still largely dominated by men, Valentina’s story is not only about speed and precision—it’s about defying expectations, embracing fear, and opening doors for future generations of female racers.
A Girl with a Karting Dream
Born on 7th September 2000, Valentina’s journey into motorsport began with an unexpected birthday gift: a kart.
“I was always a princess type—makeup, dresses, the lot,” she tells Females in Motorsport. “So when I asked for a kart, no one thought I’d stick with it.”
But she did . At just 10 years old, she debuted in Lezama’s local karting circuit—the very year it was inaugurated. Within two years, she was a championship contender, narrowly missing a title by half a point.
“I’ve never had a year without racing,” she shares. “Once I got behind the wheel, I never wanted to get off.”
Building Grit in a Male-Dominated Arena
Valentina’s path was never paved with ease. Competing almost exclusively in mixed-gender races, she quickly became used to being the only girl on the track.
“I never felt different,” she says. “But there were times I overheard people saying things like, ‘oh no, a girl is racing.’ That stuck with me.”
What truly sets her apart, however, is how she turned fear into fuel.
“I’m very fearful in everyday life—I don’t like driving in the street, I avoid motorcycles,” she says. “But in the car, once I’m strapped in, the fear disappears. It becomes about trust and focus.”
From Karting to TCR: A Career on the Rise
Valentina’s progression through the ranks has been anything but conventional. After achieving national runner-up status in karting in 2018—becoming only the second woman in Argentina to do so—she made a bold move straight to touring cars, skipping the usual transition through Formula categories.
Now with the chance of competing in the TCR (Touring Car Championship) South America series, Valentina is not only challenging lap times but pushing cultural boundaries.
“There’s only one other woman in TCR,” she says. “If I make it, I won’t just be achieving my dream—I’ll be showing other girls that they can too.”
Discipline Beyond the Track
While many imagine racing as glamorous and adrenaline-fuelled, Valentina’s routine tells another story. A recent graduate in surgical instrumentation, she trained daily while studying full-time.
“It’s about discipline,” she explains. “Missing birthday parties, skipping social events—everything is sacrificed for the weekend on the track.”
Her race weekends begin on Thursdays and stretch through Sunday, and even when she’s not competing, the grind doesn’t stop. Simulators, fitness sessions, strict diets—it’s a full-time commitment.
Racing with a Village Behind Her
Despite moments of doubt, Valentina’s support system has been unwavering.
“My family has been with me every step—my mum, dad, sister, even my grandma,” she says. “When I win, we all win. When I lose, we all lose.”
She also credits her racing team, who gave her the opportunity to compete even when finances were tight.
“They believed in me when I couldn’t afford to believe in myself,” she says.
Why Sponsorship Matters for Valentina’s Journey
Valentina isn’t just another driver chasing results—she’s on the path of becoming one of the few women competing in a male-dominated category like TCR South America, where visibility and representation matter. Backing her means more than supporting a promising career; it’s standing behind a shift towards greater inclusivity in motorsport.
As her story gains traction across social media and international platforms, the potential for brand visibility grows alongside it. For companies seeking purpose-driven partnerships, Valentina represents an opportunity to align with values like equality, resilience and progress.
She also recognises the impact her presence can have on others.
“Maybe I don’t see myself as an inspiration, but someone opened the door for me, and now I want to do the same for others,” she says. “It’s hard—yes, for everyone—but it’s possible. You just have to fight for your dreams.”
Looking ahead, she dreams of competing on international circuits—and one day hopes to tell her future self.
“Everything you sacrificed, everything you worked for—it was worth it,” Valentina says. We couldn’t agree more.
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