Ana Beatriz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ana Beatriz de Figueiredo
De Figueiredo in 2023
Nationality	Brazilian
Born	Ana Beatriz Caselato Gomes de Figueiredo (1985-03-18) March 18, 1985 (age 40) São Paulo, Brazil
Awards	2008 Firestone Indy Lights Rookie of the Year 2003 Formula Renault 2.0 Brazil Rookie of the Year
IndyCar Series career
29 races run over 4 years
2013 position	29th
Best finish	21st (2011)
First race	2010 São Paulo Indy 300 (São Paulo)
Last race	2013 Iowa Corn Indy 250 (Iowa)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0
Statistics current as of March 31, 2014.

Ana "Bia" Beatriz Caselato Gomes de Figueiredo, also known as Bia Figueiredo, was born on March 18, 1985. She is a talented Brazilian racing driver. Bia made history by becoming the first woman to win an Indy Lights race. This happened at Nashville Superspeedway on July 12, 2008. She won her second Indy Lights race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, on June 20, 2009.

Racing Journey

Starting Out

Ana began her racing journey very young. She started in karting races when she was just eight years old. Her family first helped pay for her racing.

When Bia was 12, a famous racing coach named Nailor Campos started training her. He helped her become a better racer. When her family could no longer afford it, Campos helped Bia find sponsors. This allowed her to continue her dream.

With this support, Bia did very well in karting. She finished second in many championships. In 2003, she won the Sorriso Petrobrás Kart Cup. After karting, Bia raced in other series. She competed in the Brazilian Formula Renault championship. Later, in 2006, she joined Formula Three Sudamericana.

Indy Lights Success

Ana driving in the Firestone Freedom 100 in 2008

In 2008, Bia started racing in the American Firestone Indy Lights Series. She raced for a top team called Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Even though her official name was Ana Beatriz, many people still called her "Bia."

She achieved a great result at the Firestone Freedom 100 race. Bia finished fifth, which was the best finish for a female driver in that race. On July 12, 2008, she won her first Indy Lights race. This was a big moment for her career.

After her victory, people started comparing her to another famous female racer, Danica Patrick. Bia said she was happy for the comparison. But she wanted to be known as "Bia." She hoped there would be a place for her unique style in racing.

Awards and Recognition

Bia's strong performance earned her special awards. She received the Tony Renna Rising Star Award. This award is given to drivers who show teamwork, fitness, and cleverness.

She also finished third in the championship standings. This earned her the "Rookie of the Year" award. It showed everyone that she was a rising star.

Continuing to Race

Bia kept racing in the Indy Lights series in 2009. She won another race at Iowa Speedway. This was her second win in the series. She finished eighth in points that year.

Bia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2010.

In 2010, Bia joined Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. She raced in the IndyCar Series. She even qualified for the famous 2010 Indianapolis 500 race. She finished 21st in that race.

Later that year, she showed her amazing skill in a Brazilian karting event. She started 11th and raced all the way to first place. She passed many experienced drivers like Felipe Massa.

For the 2011 IndyCar Series, Bia raced full-time. She had a tough start, breaking her wrist in the first race. But she kept racing with a brace for most of the season.

In 2012, Bia tested for Andretti Autosport. She then competed in two big races for them. These included the IndyCar event in her hometown of São Paulo.

Racing Today

From 2014, Bia started racing in Stock Car Brasil. This is a popular racing series in Brazil. She competed in many races, getting two top-five finishes. In 2018, she took a break to focus on her family.

Bia returned to racing full-time in 2023. She now competes in the Copa Truck series.

Motorsports Career Highlights

Indianapolis 500 Results

See also

In Spanish: Ana Beatriz para niños