BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO, CA (Saturday, July 8, 2023) – In a race with threatening weather, late-race rain, and varying fuel strategies, Team TGM came home with a sixth-place finish for the No. 46 Aston Martin Vantage driven by Hugh and Matt Plumb.
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is the fastest circuit on the IMSA schedule, which usually causes a bit of turmoil. However, today’s race went caution free.
The sister car, No. 64, driven by team owner Ted Giovanis and Owen Trinkler, came home in 15th in a very close field.
“Hugh did a great job in his stint, going from fourth on the grid to podium contention,” said team strategist Joe Varde.
“This is a very fast track, and we were a bit surprised that there were no caution periods. It changed everyone’s fuel strategies.
“We certainly would have loved to do a one-stop race, but our calculations proved that we needed a second stop for fuel. Ultimately most of the field did the same.
“The rain late in the race was really more of a drizzle and didn’t impact the outcome as there was never an accumulation of water, so nobody changed to rain tires.
“With the current performance specs mandated for our car in the series, these Aston Martins are just not at the pace they should be. We are learning much each outing, and there is no doubt from anyone on the team that we will get there.”
Next up, Team TGM goes to Road America on August 3-6, 2023.
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Ted Giovanis
”I had a TCR car run into me early in the race, doing a bit of damage to the front of the car but also shaking my confidence and rhythm. Honestly, it took me a few laps, but I got back on pace and started to tick off laps at some of my best times for this circuit. I’m really proud of Hugh and Matt for their sixth-place finish. It was not an easy road for them, and they did a great job, as did the entire TGM team.”
Owen Trinkler
“I don’t think anyone expected a caution-free race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where strategy usually plays such a big role at these events. However, Ted was great after his initial contact and recovery. He fought hard to get back on his pace. We were down in the field when I took over the car, and without any cautions, it’s difficult to make up ground. For Team TGM, it’s another good learning experience in this car, and we will add critical information to our notebook for Road America.”
Hugh Plumb
“After such a strong qualifying, we thought we would be in podium contention today; however, we just missed it by a few positions. The team did a fantastic job, pit stops were spot on, and I think Matt drove a good race. We were just slightly off the pace, and on this high-speed course, a small margin adds up over 85 laps. We know this car is capable of more, and we will work hard to increase the pace on a consistent basis.”
Matt Plumb
“Hugh had a great stint, and I was thrilled to take over the car in third position. I was steadily holding onto the podium after the Team TGM crew made a stellar pit stop. I’ll admit I was somewhat perplexed when I was called into the pits for fuel after running so strong. However, with at least one leading contender running out of fuel toward the end of the race, it’s obvious that the numbers don’t lie, and Joe (Varde) made the best decision for a second stop. We always want to win, but under today’s conditions, sixth place gives us great momentum going into Road America.”
Ted Giovanis the author
FOCUS FORWARD: Life lessons from racing
Life comes at you fast when you’re traveling 180 miles per hour. For Ted Giovanis, it’s also where you can learn the most valuable lessons. Since becoming a race car driver three decades ago at age forty-six—a ride that is still in overdrive—Giovanis has discovered how the tools of racing and the teamwork within it are applicable to life and business. In forty-eight motivating and, at times, exhilarating chapters, he shares his experience and knowledge.
