Giovanni Roda

Giovanni Roda is an Italian racing driver who formerly competed in Formula A. He was notable for being the first owner-driver in the series in nearly fourty years, before the team was sold to Scuderia Alitalia in 2012. After a disappointing tenure, scoring only one podium, Roda left Formula A, but the team gave him the opportunity to drive in their World GT program. Roda found himself unimpressed with the series despite finding success; he was much happier when the team gave him the opportunity to attempt the Karjala Grand Prix; though he failed to qualify for the race, Roda had found a new series to spend the rest of his career in.

Around the same time, Power Steering, Inc. announced a contest in which they would accept essays from fans to nominate drivers to drive a third car for the team as a Promoter's Option for one race during the 2013 season. Roda would end up being one of the nominees, and tied for the winning vote with Manny Brown; PSI gained approval to enter the 416 car for two races instead.

Brown was unimpressive in his return to the Master Cup series at Ohio; Roda had much better pace at the beginning of the race at Quincy, but would be eliminated from the race on lap 13 in the pileup triggered by Robert Nelson. Roda and PSI then made a surprise second appearance at Road America, where he managed to score two points.

Roda returned to Alitalia to attempt Indianapolis. He failed to make the race, however he still turned up for the final race of the season at Decatur despite the setback. While team-mate Benoît Voeckler got the better of Roda in qualifying, the Frenchman taking pole position while Roda started from midfield, it was the Italian who capitalised on the chaotic circumstances of the season finale, working his way up the field to finish in 6th position.

His performance in the season finale was enough to earn him a full-time ride in TM Lights, where he joined Matthews Motorsports in their #62 car.

Trivia

 * Roda is also noted for his large collection of Ray-Ban sunglasses; he even wears a pair during races.