Salinas, CA (Saturday, May 13, 2023) – The Team TGM Aston Martin Vantage No.46 machine met with unforeseen incidents early in today’s race at the third round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Within the first five minutes of the race Hugh Plumb had a tire go flat in turn four, ran off and collected a Michelin sign, and made a long, slow trek back to pit lane. Unfortunately, the brothers (co-driver Matt Plumb) could not significantly recover the lost time from the return to pit lane and unscheduled pit stop. Ultimately they finished in 18th position in the GS category.

The sister car driven by team owner Ted Giovanis had to start last due to Trinkler qualifying and Giovanis starting the race. They made up ground and ultimately finished 17th.

 

“It just wasn’t our day. It’s unusual to have these types of issues and especially so early in the race for Hugh. We were looking forward to a strong performance, but it just wasn’t in the cards today,” said Giovanis.

“We’ve got some work to do before we head to Detroit in just a couple of weeks. A street race like the Detroit Grand Prix always presents many variables, but we are looking forward to racing the historic downtown course.”

Next up: Chevrolet Sports Car Classic, a 100-minute race on the street course in Detroit – June 1-3, 2023.

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Facebook: @TeamTGM

 

Team TGM brings home top four finish and points lead from Sebring

SEBRING, FL (Friday, March 15, 2024)— With temperatures hitting the high 80s at race time, Team TGM’s #46 took a fourth-place finish in the GS in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge today at Sebring International Raceway. Matt Plumb and Paul Holton drove to finish just...

Gallery: Sebring Practice and Qualifying

All the action from Sebring International Raceway as Team TGM prepares for round two of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship. Today - we race!Ted Giovanis the author FOCUS FORWARD: Life lessons from racing Life comes at you fast when you’re traveling 180...

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ATLANTA, GA (Tuesday, March 11, 2024) — Coming off a double podium at Daytona in the first round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Team TGM is looking to improve on its effort with a win at Sebring International Raceway. With a third-place overall finish at...

Ted Giovanis

“It was an interesting weekend, but from where we started it’s alright. We had a few problems along the way. The No.46 car had a flat and had an unscheduled stop and lost a few laps. They fought back and got up to 18th.
“I think Owen did a great job, and the best part is that we are leaving here with no crash damage and will be able to rebound for Detroit.”

 

Owen Trinkler

“It was kind of a long weekend for us. We struggled a bit yesterday and had some issues that had us starting over. So that’s why I qualified, to see what the car had for a long run and shake it down in the qualifying session.
“Overall, it was a decent day. We would have liked to be top 15. Ted did a good job, and I know he’s feeling a bit under the weather now, but we soldiered through it and we will move on to Detroit. “We keep gathering a notebook on this car, and everytime we run it, we get to know it better and better.”

 

Hugh Plumb

“I could feel the tire going down but hoped it wasn’t the case; then in turn four, it went flat. I had little control over the car and was trying to stay out of the way. I was coming out of the corkscrew and didn’t have much control. I went off and hit a big Michelin sign.
“I tried everything to get the sign to release, but it was tethered to the car, and I couldn’t get it to budge and had to bring the sign to the pit lane for the crew to remove it.
“It’s extremely rare to have any troubles with the Michelins – but sometimes there are issues beyond anyone’s control.”

Matt Plumb

“Days like today are just part of the highs and lows of racing. We didn’t make any mistakes, just unfortunately, the wrong place at the wrong time, but because of things like debris – tires have issues sometimes.
“The entire Team TGM crew did a great job just to finish the race; however, in a two-hour race, you can’t get down a pit stop and make up that sort of time.
“The team will bounce back and be ready for Detroit.”

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.