BRASELTON, GA (November 9, 2021) – It’s been a hectic few weeks for Team TGM since the last round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at VIR in October with the preparing for this weekend’s Petit Le Mans along with major events in Daytona and at the Circuit of the Americas.
Two weeks ago, Team TGM participated in the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona. Last week the team was at Circuit of the Americas with the International GT Championship, where team owner and driver Ted Giovanis is defending his 2020 Championship title.
However, the team is now focused on the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta this Friday, November 12. Giovanis set the tone for the weekend, saying, “The guys back at the shop have been getting our Chevrolet Camaros ready for this week and absolutely targeting a podium finish this week.”
“Road Atlanta is our home track with our base shop nearby, so of course, it’s a very important race to the entire team.
“We’ve had our share of challenges this year in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge; however, our eyes have never deviated from winning races and trying to vie for the championship. The title is out of our grasp for this year; however, there is no reason we can’t win this final race.”
In addition to on-track activities the team is supporting two very deserving charities this week. Team TGM has donated a variety of racing items to an auction benefiting the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. Auction items can be seen and bids accepted at the Austin Hatcher display in vendor village at Road Atlanta.
The TGM crew will also be taking part in the go-carting event at Lanier Speedway (across from Road Atlanta) on Wednesday evening benefiting Motorsports Ministries.
Team TGM will take to the 2.54-mile Road Atlanta circuit with practice on Wednesday, November 10 at 2:15 PM. Qualifying is slated for 4:15 PM on Thursday, November 11, and the green flag will drop on the Fox Factory 120 at 1:10 PM on Friday, November 12, for the two-hour race.
Ted Giovanis
“After deciding to sit out of IMSA racing in 2020 and focus the JKTG Foundation on COVID research, 2021 has become a bit of a rebuilding season for the team. We haven’t always gotten the breaks on track; however, we’ve been developing the Chevy Camaros, and we’re expecting a good result for Friday’s season finale race at our home track.”
Owen Trinkler
“Road Atlanta is a very special place for my family and me. I have great memories of watching my father race there over the years, starting when I was still in the stroller. I’ve won at Road Atlanta, and we clinched the Championship there in 2018, so lots of terrific times there, and I’m looking forward to adding to that list this week.”
Hugh Plumb
“With Road Atlanta being one of TGM ‘s home tracks, it would mean a lot to me to have a really good finish, as the team always deserves. Everyone has worked really hard this year, and we are looking forward to this final race. Going into our last round of the 2021 championship, I want to thank Ted and Kristina Giovanis for providing such a great team and the opportunity. It’s an amazing crew of people who make up this team.”
Matt Plumb
“We can’t wait to end the season on a high note. Road Atlanta always brings excitement in the Michelin Pilot Challenge racing – it’s the perfect place to bookend the season. It has been a challenging year on track, but I’m so grateful to be part of such a great organization. Special thanks to Ted and Kristina for all their efforts in organizing and keeping this group together.”
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.
