BRASELTON, GA (Wednesday, August 23, 2023) – Although based at Road Atlanta, Team TGM calls VIRginia International Raceway it’s home away from home – a home where they scored a podium last year in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Ted Giovanis and Owen Trinkler scored third place here last year and are looking to repeat that performance in 2023, this time armed with the team’s No.64 Aston Martin Vantage GT4.
Hugh and Matt Plumb also return to the 3.27-mile high-speed circuit – one where the team recorded some valuable testing miles last week in preparation for one of the most popular rounds on the championship schedule.
“Living in Virginia just outside DC, VIR has always been the closest professional home track to me,” said team owner and driver Ted Giovanis.
“VIR offers all the challenges that a driver can encounter and enjoy. Paul Newman wasn’t wrong when he said, ‘If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s VIR.’
“Last year Owen and I were able to come away with third place, and obviously, we’d love to be able to do that again.”
Action kicks off for Team TGM and the Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship on Friday with two practice sessions and qualifying, which begins at 6:40 p.m. Saturday’s two-hour race is also set for a late afternoon start, with the green flag waving at 5:10 p.m.
WHAT:
Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix – 8th round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, August 25, 2023
10:40-11:40: Practice #1
2:25-3:25: Practice #2
6:40-6:55: Qualifying
Saturday, August 26, 2023
4:15-5:00: Pre-race – open grid/fan walk
5:00-5:10: Formation laps
5:10-7:10: Virginia is for racing lovers grand prix
HOW TO WATCH:
Watch live and on-demand on Peacock
HOW TO LISTEN:
IMSA radio – http://imsaradio.com
HOW TO ATTEND:
Tickets available at https://virnow.com/events/
FOLLOW TEAM TGM:
Twitter: @GoTeamTGM
Instagram: @Team_TGM
Facebook: @TeamTGM
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Ted Giovanis
”We’ve always been keen on testing however, this year has offered us some new opportunities, and we’ve just returned from a test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where we were able to work on set-up and tires. It was very productive both for the upcoming race at Indy and developing the race cars for this weekend’s race at Road America.”
Owen Trinkler
“I have lots of laps I’ve driven around this track, and it is undoubtedly my favorite on the whole calendar.
“During our recent test, Ted was able to record many laps and get to know how this Aston Martin works best here.
“We tried several setups on the cars and made great improvements throughout the two days. Ted and I were able to take home trophies here last year and it would be a huge thrill to be able to do that again with the Aston Martin this year.”
Hugh Plumb
“Testing was very beneficial. We are learning the Aston Martin cars and building the notebook for each race. VIR is always a challenging circuit but one we really like.
“We changed setups several times and think we have landed on the best for the race this week. The team has put in an incredible effort, and the results will show. I am thankful to Ted and Kristina for all they have invested in the team.”
Matt Plumb
“Testing is always so important, especially when you are learning a new car. Being here at VIR recently was a great learning experience for the team. We understand how the Aston Martin works best at this circuit, and I think will be very strong in the race.
“Luck hasn’t been on our side in the past couple of races but you can’t just rely on that – you have to keep working as hard you can and giving it everything you have.”
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.
