Isis Carreno, AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3
Chilean, 24
Follow Isis on Instagram
Carreno’s Journey to WorldWCR
Isis Carreno, a 24-year-old rider from Santiago, Chile, proudly represents her country and the wider Latin American region in the historic first season of the WorldWCR. Riding for AD78 FIM LatinoAmerica By Team GP3, Carreno has steadily climbed the ranks, racing across Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Spain, before finally reaching the global stage this year. Despite facing injuries, her passion for the sport drives her forward as she pursues the dream of becoming a world champion in the sport she deeply loves.
Carreno’s Career in Her Own Words
Reflecting on her journey, Carreno shared how she rose from regional and junior championships to compete with the world’s best female riders.
“My first motorcycle was a 140cc minimotard. I was 12 years old when I had my first race in a national championship, which was a big step for me because I was just learning how to ride a geared bike. At 13, I switched to the TM450cc Supermotard, and I also tried a 250cc at the time.”
In 2014, Carreno had her first taste of international competition: “I raced in Spain in the pre-Moto3 category for a year. In 2015, I returned to Chile and competed in Latin American and Pan American championships in Mexico and Argentina, which I won.”
“From 2017 to 2019, I raced in Mexico in a women’s championship, and in 2019, I participated in a Latin American championship on a 400cc Kawasaki. I won that championship too. In 2021, I returned to Europe, racing in Italy’s Women’s European Cup with TEAM GP3 AD11 on a 400cc Kawasaki. I achieved podium finishes in 2022 and 2023, in Croatia and Valencia.”
Additionally, Carreno has consistently dominated in Chile:
“I also managed to win the national GP3 Super Expert championship, competing with both the Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki 400cc. It’s been years of sacrifice and learning for me.”
Overcoming an Early Setback and Returning to Riding
Carreno’s journey to professional racing wasn’t always straightforward. After a scary crash as a young child, she avoided motorcycles for years.
“When I was about three, my father put me on a Yamaha PW 50cc to teach me to accelerate and brake. But I had a small crash that scared my mother so much that she didn’t let me get back on a bike until I was 12.”
Her father played an instrumental role in her return to riding:
“My father is the main character in my racing story. He also raced motorcycles when he was young, and his last race was in 2013—where we raced together in supermotard, and I won! From that point, he dedicated himself to supporting my career. He always took me to races and eventually bought me my first motorcycle.”
The Irreplaceable Thrill of Racing
Though Carreno experimented with many sports as a child, nothing compared to the thrill of motorcycle racing.
“Before choosing motorcycles, I tried speed skating, figure skating, roller hockey, and cheerleading, but none of them made me as happy as motorcycling. I love the speed and adrenaline, and I’m constantly learning from my mistakes.”
Even with her decision made, family discussions continued:
“My father was thrilled when I chose motorcycles, but my mother wasn’t as happy. I convinced her though, and now she sees how happy and passionate I am about it. The rest of my family is also proud of what I’ve achieved, even though they are a little scared. As a Latin American rider, it’s been tough to make it to Europe, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Representing Chile in WorldWCR
Carreno takes great pride in representing Chile and Latin America in the WorldWCR, especially in a sport where reaching European circuits is difficult for Latin American riders.
“Representing my country is very important to me. It’s hard to travel to Europe from Latin America and access good training facilities or tracks. You need a lot of heart and courage to get here. It’s a dream come true to be able to represent Chile and Latin America in Europe, and I hope my time here opens doors for future generations.”
She draws inspiration from the very riders she now competes against:
“My role models have always been Ana Carrasco and María Herrera. They are incredible women and athletes, and racing alongside them is a dream come true.”
A Packed 2024 Racing Schedule
As Carreno navigates her first WorldWCR season, she also stays busy with several other commitments.
“This year, I’m competing in the Chilean championship and the Brazilian Yamaha R3 Cup. My goal is to be in the top five and secure a podium finish in the final races.”
Her weekly routine is intense:
“I’m recovering from my injury with physical therapy three times a week, and I also go to the gym. I cycle at home on other days and train on the motorcycle during weekends. I’m working with my father and finishing my construction engineering degree.”
Words of Inspiration for Future Female Riders
Carreno offers encouraging advice for young female riders navigating a traditionally male-dominated sport:
“I hope they never give up and always fight for what they love. This sport requires a lot of determination. We’ve waited a long time for a championship like this to give women more visibility in motorcycling. Always give your all on the track, and never let setbacks or crashes stop you—every fall is a lesson to help you improve.”
Carreno’s rise in the WorldWCR not only showcases her talent and determination but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of female riders, proving that with enough heart and effort, anything is possible.
Official WorldWCR Press Release
