- SMILE BRIGHTER With Dental Design of Arcadia • Preventative Cleanings • Same-Day Crowns • Implants and more! FREE SECOND OPINION FREE INVISALIGN CONSULT with $1300 instant savings! EE IMPLANT CONSULT (value $249) "" 520-372-6770 8 3409 W. 56TH STREET STE A PHOENIX, AZ 85018 36 OCTOBER 2024 By Rachael Bouley io Santora has taken his decade- long go-karting journey across the pond – in August, he attended the F4 FEED Racing Academy at the famous Magny Cours Circuit in France, inspiring his next steps in the racing world. The 14-year-old AHS freshman has dedicated the last 10 years to go-kart racing. He started at CrackerJax in Scottsdale when he was four and worked his way up through indoor karting, eventually heading to the outdoor tracks. As a fan of the sport’s adrenaline and excitement, Gio is a regular at the raceway and recently moved up to the No. 6 ranking out of over 1.3 million adults at Octane’s Adult Pro Skills for indoor karting. “I’ve always loved cars and speed, so go-karting seemed like a fun way to start learning how to race,” Gio said. “Being on the track is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun competing against other drivers.” In August, he made the most of an incredible opportunity to attend the F4 Feed Racing Academy, where he raced against talented drivers (or pilots, as they are called in Europe) and karting champions from all over the world. “I learned a lot from the coaches, especially on braking in an F4 race and being strong enough to handle the kart,” Gio said. “It definitely helped me improve my driving skills.” He did so well at the academy that he scored an invite to the quarter and semifinal races at the end of that month. Gio was the youngest driver in the quarterfinals in August, racing against 15-20-year-old drivers in a F4 car for the first time – and hitting speeds of up to 165 MPH. “I was super excited and proud of making it that far,” he said. “It felt great knowing I had a chance to compete again and potentially win a seat on the French F4 team for 2025.” While he didn’t advance, he now has the experience and motivation to return next year. He hopes to carry this momentum into U.S. races this fall, including Super Nationals in Las Vegas. He also looks forward to time at PKRA, his home track in Glendale, and preparing for next year’s FEED race at Magny Cours. “I’m proud of how much I’ve improved and how I can now race with older, more experienced drivers,” Gio said. “Plus, I’ve made some great friends through racing, and it’s given me the confidence to handle situations I’ll face in the future.” Gio is eager to continue developing his skills in F4 racing and karting. He aspires to progress to higher levels of motorsports, such as Formula 3 and international races in the U.S. and Europe. No matter what, Gio said he has the full support of his family, friends, and go-kart champions he’s met along the way. “His commitment to hard work, growth and perseverance, even when facing challenges, has been amazing and is a testament to great coaching over the years,” Dad, George, said. “I’m most proud of his dedication and passion for racing at such a young age and how he’s handled the pressures of racing, learning to manage complex machines like F4 cars, new environments, and competing internationally.” Arcadia teen takes racing dream overseas PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEORGE SANTORA I’ve always loved cars and speed, so go-karting seemed like a fun way to start learning how to race. Gio with competitors Ethan Jeff-Hall from the United Kingdom and Tommie van der Struijs from the Netherlands.

THE ARCADIAN a r c a d i a n P H X . c o m GRAND OPENING STARTING IN THE 600s NOVEMBER 2024 Come join us and meet your new neighbors! Enjoy the fun and festivities while touring our new homes in Arcadia. Join the interest list at arcadianphx.com