Maria Ricciardello

Everything we do, we do together.

Maria’s journey began in 1953, when at just six years old, she voyaged to Fremantle aboard Australia with her mother, brother and two sisters. They reunited with her father, who had migrated two years earlier from Sinagra, a small Sicilian town, to work and save for his family’s new life.

In Perth, Maria’s parents realised their dream of opportunity, a large family and a home of their own. Six more children followed – creating a close-knit family of nine – five daughters and four sons – secure and happy in their new country.

Around the same time, in another part of Sicily, a young boy named Basil was forging a very different path – one that would eventually bring him to Australia and into Maria’s life. Basil was born in the village of Brolo in Messina, where life was a daily struggle. At just 11, he entered the workforce after his father was badly injured in a landslide. With his mother left to support eight children, school was out of reach. Basil chose to become a motor mechanic, starting as an apprentice sweeping floors, cleaning parts and learning his craft. By the time he was qualified, he was ready to seek new horizons. On 21 January 1963, Basil arrived in Fremantle aboard the Neptune on its final voyage as a passenger liner – ready to take on the world.

Maria and Basil met soon after his arrival and quickly became inseparable. They married not long after and from the beginning were true partners in both life and business. Basil worked long hours as a mechanic, often repairing carts  at home in the evenings and on weekends to supplement his income. Maria was always by his side – making meals and coffee for him and the other workers, running the household and supporting him in every way. Her unwavering belief in him fuelled his drive, and together they built a successful business while also making their mark in the motor racing world.

Young love – Maria and Basil pictured together in 1963, not long after Basil’s arrival from Italy.
Credit: Ricciardello family

In 1966, they opened  B & M Ricciardello Motors – named for ‘Basil and Maria’. At the same time, Basil was building his reputation as a champion driver, a passion that had been in his blood since boyhood in Sicily, watching the Giro di Sicilia. Though he later stepped back to focus on their fast-growing service station business, racing remained central to his life. Maria ran the administration – bookkeeping, wages and customer service – and took on any task that needed doing. Together, they combined Basil’s skill and passion with Maria’s dedication and business sense to grow a thriving enterprise.

Basil and Maria’s first service station, B & M Ricciardello Motors, Northbridge, 1966.
Credit: Ricciardello family

While helping to build the business and supporting Basil’s racing, Maria also maintained the family home and raised their children . A skilled dressmaker, she sewed for both her immediate and extended family. First Communion dresses were her speciality, and her superb creations were in high demand. She continued to sew with love for her 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Despite their busy lives, Maria and Basil always made time to socialise. Saturday nights were for dinners and dancing at the WA Italian Club, Sicilian Club, Venezia House or the Pagoda Ballroom. Friendships formed through these gatherings were invaluable – offering support, shared traditions and a sense of belonging among Italian–Australians building new lives in Western Australia. 

A young Basil and Maria enjoying Perth’s Italian social scene.
Credit: Ricciardello family

Basil went on to become a six-time Australian champion driver, racing across the country and overseas. With Maria’s support, Ricciardello Racing grew into one of Australia’s most successful teams, renowned for their record-breaking Alfa-Chev. While Basil raced, Maria managed the business and family, ensuring the foundations of their success were always strong.

Basil and Maria's first racing car – an Alpha GTV built in 1985 – the first local sports sedan and the beginning of son Tony’s successful racing career. 
Credit: Ricciardello family

Their son Tony carried on the legacy, becoming one of the most successful drivers in Australian motorsport history with seven national titles.

Maria with son Tony, daughter-in-law Carla and grandchildren Luciana and Orlando at Phillip Island Raceway after another winning weekend.
Credit: Ricciardello family

For years, Maria and Basil, their son Tony and his young family travelled across the Nullarbor in a custom-built caravan with its own kitchen – the hub of their racing adventures. While the men prepared the car, Maria focused on stocking the kitchen and planning meals. 

At every track, she created feasts of cutlets, pastas and antipasti – while other teams made do with takeaway. The aromas drew people in, and Maria and Basil’s hospitality became legendary. However small the kitchen, Maria’s table overflowed with food and friendship – and everyone was welcome.

Maria in her custom-built caravan kitchen, proudly preparing meals that put takeaway to shame.
Credit: Ricciardello family

Maria’s cooking is also legendary at Christmas, when up to 75 family members gather at the Ricciardello home for a feast blending Italian traditions with Australian favourites. Tables overflow with food and drink, making the festivities a highlight of the year.

As the beloved matriarch of the Ricciardello family, Maria’s quiet dedication has underpinned the successes of her husband Basil and son Tony’s racing careers, as well as the achievements of all her children – a true quiet achiever behind decades of triumphs. 

Maria and Basil with son Tony, wife Carla and grandchildren Orlando, Luciana and Giorgia celebrating Tony’s record-breaking championship at Sandown Raceway.
Credit: Ricciardello family

Maria and Basil are familiar faces at motoring events. 
Credit: Ricciardello family

The First Holy Communion of beloved daughter Rosemary. 
Credit: Ricciardello family

Saturday nights were for socialising – Maria and Basil often dined and danced with friends at the Italian Club, Sicilian Club, Venezia House or the Pagoda Ballroom.
Credit: Ricciardello family

Passata day in the garage – a lively mix of hard work, laughter and kids underfoot.
Credit: Ricciardello Family

A family tradition in full swing – turning a mountain of meat into a feast of sausages for the year ahead. 
Credit: Ricciardello family

Tony and Basil celebrating Tony’s birthday trackside at Mallala Raceway, South Australia. 
Credit: Ricciardello family

A proud moment at Barbagallo Raceway – Maria and Basil with family after Tony breaks a Wanneroo lap record that had stood since 1984.
Credit: Ricciardello family