Panamanian karting standout will pilot the #69 entry at Road America’s 4.014-mile, 14-turn circuit
Zanella Racing announced today the addition of Gianmatteo Rousseau to its driver lineup for the 2026 USF Juniors Presented by Continental Tire season finale weekend at Road America, September 24-26. Rousseau will pilot the #69 entry at the 4.014-mile, 14-turn Wisconsin road course, marking his first start with the team as Zanella Racing closes out the 2026 USF Pro Championship season.
Rousseau brings an accomplished karting resume to his car racing debut with the team. The Panamanian driver discovered his passion for karting at age seven and has since built a career representing Latin America on the international stage. His achievements include an IAME World Final Championship, a WSK Final Cup Mini category win and a WSK Euro Series OK Junior race victory. In 2021, Rousseau became the first Latin American driver to win the Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) Championship, adding the SKUSA Pro Tour Micro Swift title to his resume as well. More recently, he finished sixth at the FIA Karting World Championship and inside the top ten at the FIA European Championship, both in 2025, and currently competes in the WSK Final Cup series.
“Gianmatteo has an incredible record in karting, and we’re excited to give him the opportunity to make his car racing debut with our team at Road America,” expressed Zanella Racing team owner Jose Zanella. “He’s proven he can win at the highest level of karting, and we think that talent will translate well into the USF Juniors car. It’s a great way to cap off the season, bringing in a driver of his caliber for the finale, and could be a sign for what’s to come in 2027.”
Rousseau joins a Zanella Racing lineup that enters the season finale with strong momentum, having placed five drivers inside the top 10 during Race One at Lime Rock Park in the penultimate round of the championship. The team will look to carry that form into the final weekend of the 2026 USF Juniors season at one of the sport’s most historic circuits.
Stay tuned for a complete driver lineup from Zanella Racing for the championship finale weekend soon.
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