INDIANAPOLIS – Andretti Global and Gainbridge announced today that Zayne Burgess, 8, will join their ambitious Driver Development program designed to support young talents with the aim of leading them to pinnacle levels of motorsport.
With the support of Gainbridge, Burgess will participate in 2025 (Karting / Mini category) in the main American series within the Velocity Racing / Sodi USA team. He will also make his European debut with program details to be announced.
Andretti Global has a strong history of commitment to driver development. Now part TWG Motorsports, Andretti’s INDYCAR, INDY NXT and Formula E teams sit alongside Spire Motorsports, Wayne Taylor Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United and TWG’s Cadillac Formula One effort. Together, the teams are preparing for the future by strengthening its program, which will offer exceptional support for carefully selected young drivers.
Jean François Thormann, Head of Driver Development, Andretti Global
“We discovered Zayne several months ago thanks to his manager Thierry Germanovitch (Sodi Kart USA). What Zayne accomplished by winning all the American national series and the SuperNationals in Las Vegas really showed his talent. Despite his very young age, he has already demonstrated a very impressive and rare racing sense. We’re happy to have Zayne join brothers Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon, now in cars, in our Driver Development program with Gainbridge support. We have very high expectations for Zayne, and I can’t wait to see what the future will reserve for him.”
Thierry Germanovitch, CEO Sodi Racing USA / Zayne Burgess Manager
“I have been lucky enough to accompany Zayne the last two seasons in our team. What he has achieved this year has confirmed all the good things I think of him. An exceptional season. To be completely honest, I don’t remember seeing a driver his age as talented on a kart. And yet, I have supervised and worked alongside many drivers, some of whom are now in F1. This is an incredible opportunity that Gainbridge and Andretti Global have offered him and we can only thank them. I am convinced that they will not be disappointed. It’s up to all of us to help Zayne write the beautiful story.”
Kevin & Shani Burgess, Zayne’s Parents
“We are beyond grateful to Andretti Global for welcoming our son, Zayne, into their family and Gainbridge for the support. To Dan Towriss and Jean François (J-F) Thormann, thank you for believing in Zayne’s potential and giving him this extraordinary opportunity to grow and thrive under your leadership. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Thierry, whose tireless efforts and guidance have been invaluable in shaping Zayne’s journey. This moment is truly a dream come true for our family—one so profound that it’s hard to put into words. While we recognize that the road ahead will be long and demanding, we are confident in Zayne’s unwavering determination and passion to proudly represent the colors of Andretti Global for years to come. We are humbled and honored to embark on this incredible journey with such a legendary team by his side. Thank you for making this possible and for believing in his dreams.”