K1 Speed Backs Zayne Burgess with Multi-Year Partnership as Young American Talent Pursues His Formula 1 Dream

From his first lap at K1 Speed to international podiums, the 10-year-old exemplifies K1's ambition to help develop tomorrow's champions.

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- K1 Speed, a global leader in indoor kart racing, has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Zayne Burgess, an outstanding young American talent pursuing his dream of reaching Formula 1.

For K1 Speed, the partnership has special significance: Zayne took his very first karting lap at K1 Speed in Miami when he was five years old. Today, at just 10 years old, he is turning that early passion into an extraordinary international racing career.

Kevin Burgess, Zayne Burgess, and David Danglard.

As part of the partnership, Zayne Burgess wears K1 Speed on his helmet and racing suit.

Following standout performances in Europe in the Champions of the Future Academy in 2025, Burgess has built an exceptional international record in 2026: 16 races, 15 podiums, 11 victories, and four second-place finishes. With titles in the WSK Super Master Series, Trofeo Andrea Margutti, and the Italian Championship, he is demonstrating the speed, determination, and competitive instinct of a remarkable young prospect.

His recent runner-up finish at the IAME World Final in Viterbo, Italy, revealed another dimension of his talent. Entering at short notice, with no prior testing, he adapted immediately to the Mini X30 category and an unfamiliar engine. Facing 72 drivers from 39 nationalities, he finished in the top three in every qualifying heat, including a victory, before taking second in the final as the youngest driver in the top 10. His ability to learn quickly, perform consistently, and race with composure sets him apart.

As a member of the Driver Development Program at TWG Motorsports, the group behind Cadillac's Formula 1 team, and an official factory driver for Parolin Motorsport, Zayne is building the foundation for his long-term ambitions at the highest level of motorsport.

As a result of this partnership, Zayne will have K1 Speed branding on his racing suit and helmet, participate in promotional campaigns and driver development initiatives, and make special appearances at K1 Speed locations.

Zayne's journey from his first laps at K1 Speed to international karting success reflects the vision behind K1 Motorsport's driver development pathway. Through K1 Speed, K1 Circuit, and Champions of the Future America, K1 aims to provide aspiring racers with opportunities to progress from indoor karting to outdoor competition and, ultimately, the international stage. By creating opportunities at each level, K1 hopes to help more young drivers follow in Zayne's footsteps.

"Supporting Zayne is both a commitment to our vision and a source of immense pride," said David Danglard, CEO and Co-Founder of K1 Speed. "From his first karting experience at our center to his international successes, he shows what talent, dedication, and opportunity can achieve. We're proud to accompany him through the next chapters of his development--and inspire the young racers whose own journeys are just beginning."

"Watching Zayne take his first laps at K1 Speed, we could never have imagined where this journey would lead," said Kevin Burgess, Zayne's father. "To now have K1 supporting his dream means so much to our family. We're grateful to David and the team for believing in him and helping him take the next steps."

Zayne will compete in K1 colors for the first time in the United States at the SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas, November 10–15, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his promising racing career.

ABOUT K1 SPEED

K1 Speed is the world's premier indoor go-kart racing brand. The family-owned business was founded by David and Susan Danglard in 2003 to bring European-style kart racing to North America. The platform's 107 kart racing centers span 32 states and nine countries. K1 Speed's unique entertainment features electric karts, which provide superior safety, performance, and environmental benefits compared to traditional gas-powered models. The brand appeals to a diverse consumer base, targeting walk-in arrive-and-drive customers, private parties, and corporate events. In addition to electric karting, K1 Speed centers offer food and beverage options through onsite Paddock Lounges, an extensive selection of arcade games, K1 RaceGear products, karting leagues, and championship events. The K1 Speed World E-Karting Championship brings together competitors from all K1 Speed centers and features the largest single-event prize pool in all of competitive karting. For more information, visit www.k1speed.com. 

SOURCE K1 Speed INC

MEDIA CONTACT: Ryan Jurnecka, Content Marketing Manager, K1 Speed, [email protected], 949-250-0242 ext 3010