Ilaria Canazza, social media editor for the World Superbike Championship at Dorna, is a driving force behind the scenes of international motorsport. Her journey is fuelled by an unrelenting passion for storytelling and a deep connection to the sport she loves. Originally from Italy and now based in Spain, Ilaria’s role brings the thrill of each race directly to fans around the world. Balancing the demands of a high-paced environment with her creative vision, Ilaria’s career is defined by her commitment to amplifying the excitement of Superbike racing, sharing each victory, challenge, and story with a growing global audience.
In her job, Ilaria handles a dynamic mix of responsibilities, from devising content strategies, coordinating with commercial teams to supporting riders with their media requests. Ilaria admits “It can be challenging, but in a positive way”. Managing the championship’s online presence for an audience of nearly six million, Ilaria brings the thrill of each race to life, striving to capture its essence and connect fans to the sport. Ilaria’s passion drives her forward: “I go to bed, and I’m like, oh, look at what I’ve done. I told a story, and the story of our championship.” This deep commitment to sport and the support of her close-knit team makes the journey all the more rewarding. “A lot of special, special moments” she adds warmly. “Being able to be part of those moments is something truly meaningful.”
Ilaria’s love for motorsport began with a family tradition of watching MotoGP every Sunday alongside her father, with the legendary Valentino Rossi as their favourite. But in her early twenties, her enthusiasm expanded to Formula 1, where she developed a new admiration for the renowned Dutch driver Max Verstappen.
Though her professional journey began in education, Ilaria's heart was always drawn to the vibrant world of motorsport. Following a shift toward marketing and social media she obtained her master’s degree expanding her horizons and allowing her to search for a job, combining her professional passions with that of her love for motorsports. Taking a leap of faith, she offered voluntary services to Females in Motorsports, using her professional abilities to spotlight women all around the world. This experience served as a launching pad, providing her with a chance to network and build a portfolio that caught the attention of her future employers at Dorna.
Now, as a social media editor for WorldSBK, Ilaria’s role goes far beyond crafting posts and managing content. Every race weekend is a marathon of activity, from covering champions’ victories to documenting pivotal moments that resonate with fans worldwide. Despite the gruelling hours, she finds ways to keep her passion alive, even amid the chaotic rhythm of the circuit. For her, it’s all about taking a moment to step back and savour the excitement that first drew her to the sport. As she puts it, “You need to take those moments... to not make this job become normal. I don’t ever want this feeling to become normal for me.”
2024 World Superbike Champion - Source: World Superbike Website
Ilaria emphasizes the distinctive and genuine atmosphere of the championship, where riders demonstrate a heartfelt appreciation for their fans. She admires their approachability and authenticity, noting how they actively seek out opportunities to connect with their supporters. “They’re not faking it,” she remarks. This sincere engagement exemplifies the championship's true spirit and reflects the strong sense of camaraderie it fosters between riders and fans alike.
Ilaria’s admiration for the championship atmosphere seamlessly extends to her experience as an employee at Dorna. She notes that the respect she feels at Dorna transcends gender, stating, “I never felt like being a woman was an issue. Here, everyone is valued for their skills and passion, regardless of whether they are a man or a woman.” As she beautifully expresses, “I’ve witnessed many incredible women in prestigious roles, and it’s empowering to see such diversity and talent.”
“It’s truly refreshing to work in an environment where your gender doesn’t define your experience,” she reflects. “At Dorna, the focus is on our shared love for motorsport, and that makes coming to work every day a joy.” Ilaria adds that she has never dreaded a workday, always looking forward to new opportunities to tell stories and contribute to the championship. “Every day is another chance to be part of something special, and I’m grateful for the supportive culture that makes this possible.” This sentiment illustrates how both the championship and Dorna foster an authentic community rooted in passion and respect, reinforcing Ilaria's belief in the value of inclusivity within the motorsport world.
Ilaria's enthusiasm for her work is palpable as she reflects on her experiences likening her passion for her role to a mother's love for her children, “Everyone says that my eyes sparkle when I talk about my job, like mums when they speak about their kids” This analogy underscores the genuine connection she feels toward her work and the riders she collaborates with Ilaria’s vibrant passion not only highlights her dedication but also emphasizes the joy she finds in her role at Dorna.
Ilaria’s advice for anyone searching to enter the dynamic world of motorsports, “be passionate and work hard”, recognising that achieving success in this dynamic field demands dedication and a touch of luck. Reflecting on her own path, she candidly admits, “I applied for a hundred other positions in motorsports before landing this one”, highlighting the competitive reality of obtaining roles in this world, “So don’t be discouraged by the first no, or the second, or the fiftieth. If this is truly what you want, keep pushing forward”.
She also stresses the value of practical experience and networking: “Go to the circuit, speak with people. I often visited the Autodromo di Monza for various racing events, even if they weren’t the most popular. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in the paddock and learn about the different roles available.” This hands-on approach not only helps clarify career aspirations but also opens doors to new opportunities.
Ultimately, Ilaria believes that genuine passion is essential for success in motorsport. “If you are truly passionate, there’s a place for everyone in this vast industry,” she concludes. “If you really want it, you have to make it happen and channel all your energy into that pursuit. At the end of the day, it’s absolutely worth it.”
Ilaria’s journey within the world of motorsport highlights the significance of passion, perseverance, and authentic connections. Her insights not only celebrate the genuine relationships between riders and fans but also illuminate the empowering culture fostered at Dorna.
Her story is a reminder that success in this industry often stems from hard work and resilience, as illustrated by her own path. Ilaria’s encouragement to embrace every opportunity, however small, resonates deeply with those aspiring to break into motorsport.
Ultimately, her enthusiasm for her role and the riders she supports reflects a commitment to a community where passion is paramount. As Ilaria beautifully expresses, the journey is not just about achieving personal dreams but also about contributing to a vibrant and supportive environment. In a field marked by competition, her perspective reminds us that it is the authentic connections we forge that truly enrich our experiences and drive the sport forward.
All photos without photo credit are sourced from Ilaria herself
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