Whispers of Izola from 360 Karting
Global projects, local people – the story of 360 Karting
How are karting tracks created—the kind you find all over the world? And what does a company look like when it develops such projects from a small coastal town in Slovenia?
In the latest episode of the Whispers of Izola podcast, we visited 360 Karting, a company based in Izola that designs and develops karting tracks for international clients. They specialize in multi-level tracks and complex structures, built from the initial idea all the way to final execution—often for large international entertainment centers. So far, they have been involved in more than 100 projects worldwide.
But this time, we weren’t interested only in numbers and references. We wanted to know who the people behind these constructions are—the ones who design, coordinate, problem-solve, and turn ideas into something very real. Together with the 360 Karting team, we visited three locations around Izola, and wrapped up the conversations where it all comes together—at the karting track.
Get to know a company that works globally, but is rooted locally.
Jernej Čopi: “Nothing happens without a team”
With Jernej Čopi, founder and director of the company, we didn’t talk only about the beginnings and growth of the business, but about what happens when a project grows beyond an individual and becomes a team effort.
It quickly became clear why it was important to him that we first meet his colleagues. As he explained, they are the ones who have been shaping the story from the very beginning and continue to give it new dimensions.
You can also sense that, as a leader, he had to learn quite early on how to let go of control. This shift came naturally—mainly because people within the company grew into roles where they mastered certain areas better than he could himself. According to him, that is where the company’s real strength lies today.
Jernej also spoke about why 360 Karting remains based on the coast. Although the company operates globally and works with clients from all over the world, they always return home. He emphasized that Izola and the wider coastal region are not a limitation, but an advantage—both because of the quality of the environment and the sense of staying connected to their roots.
What motivates him most today are the moments within the team—breakthroughs, shared satisfaction, and the feeling of building something meaningful together. Why he believes such a story needs to be strong enough to be carried on by future generations is something you’ll hear in the podcast.
Alen Vežnaver: “As a kid, I loved playing with Lego”
We met Alen Vežnaver in the Izola marina—an engineer who designs steel structures and turns ideas into something tangible.
His career path hasn’t been linear. He gained experience across different industries, from automotive to large-scale industrial systems, before returning to the coast, where he says he feels most at home. The lifestyle suits him better, and the sea has been part of his life since childhood—so it’s no surprise that he spends much of his free time on a boat.
In the conversation, he emphasized that becoming a good engineer is not just about education, but about experience, time, and responsibility. Why he compares his work to a large Lego set—and what returning from Ljubljana to the coast means to him—you’ll hear in the episode.
Lara Jerman: “Even if you make a plan in the morning, it can fall apart”
In Pietro Coppo Park, we spoke with Lara Jerman, who is responsible for procurement and the supply chain. She comes from Zazid, a small village beneath the Karst edge, and this balance between nature and the coast shapes her everyday life.
Her work is constant coordination—between engineers, suppliers, logistics, and deadlines that can change overnight. There’s a lot of planning, a lot of quick reactions, and, as she says, a bit of “policing” involved in keeping everything on track.
She also shared her personal connection to Izola. It’s no longer just a place where she works, but increasingly a place she lives. Why she finds herself drawn to the sea, a coffee at Bariera, or a walk to the lighthouse—hear more in her part of the podcast.
Santiago Maiorana: “I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful place here”
We met Santiago Maiorana in Izolana – the House of the Sea, which felt like the right place for his story. Having lived in Slovenia for less than a year, we first introduced him to some of Izola’s local stories and history.
A project designer from Uruguay, he now lives in Ankaran. At 360 Karting, he works with international clients, translating their ideas into concrete design solutions. He says his experience living in different countries helps him understand people and projects from different perspectives.
Before moving to Slovenia, he spent two years in Australia, where he first met Slovenians who sparked his interest in the country.
Santiago spoke about the quality of life in Slovenian Istria—what he appreciates most is the slower pace, the natural surroundings, and the feeling that people take time for the small things. That’s also why he quickly felt relaxed and at home here. Why Istria surprised him so positively—and how he sees Izola today—you’ll hear in the podcast.
Four guests, four different paths, and one common thread: a story that grows far beyond a small coastal town. If you’re curious how global projects take shape through people, relationships, and everyday decisions, listen to the new episode of Whispers of Izola.
The episode is available on YouTube in Slovene, with English subtitles.
