Birel art: the fourth generation on track with Vittoria Sala

When Ronni, her father, founded the Birel racing team in the second half of the 1990s, Vittoria hadn't even been born yet. Born in 1999 with a degree in Economics and Management, she has witnessed and experienced the massive evolution of karting over these 25 years from behind the scenes. She's seen it in the growth of the family business, in the rising numbers of karting, and in the ever-increasing role this sport has carved out in the motorsport ecosystem. Now Vittoria - destined by name (in Italian Vittoria means “victory” ed.) - manages the organization and logistics for the racing team (Birel Art and CL, in OK and KZ classes), which, with a packed calendar like modern karting's, is one of the most complex aspects of the job. At Birel art's headquarters in Lissone, she splits her time between the company's production activities—manufacturing and selling over 4,000 chassis a year while coordinating 59 employees—and the racing operations. The fourth generation of the Sala family perfectly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of this corner of North Italy.

Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm 26 years old, and right after graduating, I joined the Birel Art group. The racing world has always been a constant presence in my life: as a kid, I frequented the tracks and breathed in that environment alongside my family. As I grew up, it felt natural to envision my future in this sector, continuing the path started by my grandfather and carried forward by my father.

What do you do today at Birel Art?
My role is quite transversal because I believe it's essential to know and understand the different aspects of the business. I handle Italian clients and provide support to foreign ones, maintaining constant contact with our network. I also manage the racing side, overseeing team logistics for all away trips, championship entries, contractual aspects with drivers and sponsors, and relationship-building and representation activities during on-track events. It's a very dynamic job that requires organization, coordination skills, and a constant presence in the field.

 

How have you seen this sport change over the last decade?
The racing world has changed a lot. I sense this both from my family's stories and from my own memories of visiting tracks as a child in the early 2000s. Today, everything is faster and more structured: the number of races has increased, and the approach of drivers and industry professionals is far more professional and competitive. In a way, karting mirrors the changing world: technical levels are rising, competitive pressure is growing, and the path to higher categories is becoming more defined.

 

What do you see as a point of connection between generations in today's karting?
The challenge today is keeping pace with a deeply changed context without losing the connection to the history and values that built this sport. Many drivers now view karting as the first step in a professional path toward single-seaters and formulas, which has inevitably made everything more competitive. At the same time, it's important to keep karting's identity alive. For a company like Birel Art, the balance lies right there: looking forward with a constructive spirit, valuing our history while working every day to build a united and strong team with shared goals.

Birel Art recently joined the Korus group: what's changed?
Joining the Korus group is definitely a major milestone and a real value-add for Birel Art. Being part of a larger group means leveraging new synergies and a more structured vision of motorsport. The presence of entities like IAME and KR is strategically key: together, we form a complete and highly significant karting division with equally ambitious growth goals. At the same time, our over 60 years of karting experience bring a wealth of skills and history that adds solidity and value to the project. The aim is to keep growing while maintaining our identity and strong presence in competitions.

What are the racing team's plans for 2026?
For 2026, we want to remain protagonists in the main international championships, working on developing our chassis and supporting the drivers from the various Birel Art group brands as best we can. Switching to IAME engines gives us even more motivation to achieve greater results. Track work remains fundamental, as it's through competitive activity that we can test, improve, and constantly develop our products.

 

One question needs to be here about Easykart's success with the grassroots.
Unfortunately, I can't follow Easykart in person on track with the same continuity, as the races often clash with the international racing team's commitments. That said, I always stay updated on what's happening. I think Easykart's secret lies in its balance between passion and competition: on one hand, the authentic spirit and tradition of karting; on the other, a sporting context that allows drivers to grow and improve. Easykart also serves as an entry point for many enthusiasts who want to race without the costs and commitment of international competitions. A key figure in this project is Fabio Foglieni, who played a crucial role in Easykart's development and growth and deserves great credit. Over time, Easykart has become a true community, almost like a big family—and that's likely one of the keys to its success.

Have you ever driven a kart? Would you have liked to race?
Yes, I've had the chance to drive a kart several times, and it's always an intense experience. Racing would definitely have been fascinating, but in a way, I feel like I live the track every day through my work and my relationships with the team and drivers.