BRASELTON, GA (Tuesday, September 7, 2021) – The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship returns to California this week, with Team TGM looking to repeat its 2018 victory at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Team TGM drivers Ted Giovanis, Owen Trinkler, Matt, and Hugh Plumb are looking forward to returning to the 2.238 mile Monterey circuit after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the scheduled 2020 event.
The team’s victory here in 2018 was a critical step to Team TGM clinching the series championship.
“Being an East Coast-based team, we elected not to include Laguna Seca on our test schedule this season, and it’s been a while since we’ve been to the circuit; never with the Camaros,” said Team TGM owner/driver Ted Giovanis.
“All that to say, we’re not sure how we’ll run until we hit the track for the first practice session on Friday.
“That’s been our entire season with the Chevy Camaro GT3.R being new to us this year, but we’re expecting to run well at Laguna. It’s a circuit where we have past success and good notes.
“We’ve narrowly missed out on a couple of wins this season that slipped away, through no fault of our own, but we know we’ve got a great team, and it’s just a matter of time until we’re on the top step.
“California would be the perfect place to return to the podium.”
Team TGM will hit the track for the first time on Friday, September 10, at 11:30 am. Qualifying is slated for Saturday, September 11, with the GS category at 11:30 am.
The 2-hour Laguna Seca 120 race will take the green flag later that day at 4:40 pm (all times Pacific Standard). Practice and Qualifying can be followed on IMSA radio and IMSA.com timing and scoring. The race will be aired live on NBCSN TrackPass.
Ted Giovanis
“I think we’ve come far this season developing the Camaros, alongside our partners Pratt and Miller. I’ve personally made improvements at each circuit and although we’re not sure what the cars can do at Laguna Seca, I’m looking forward to running them on this challenging track.”
Owen Trinkler
“This season co-driving with Ted has gone really well, he’s stepped up at each race and has really shown his commitment to driving performance. The team has been amazing, with great strategy and excellent pit stops. Winning here in 2018 with Hugh has given me a better understanding of this circuit and I think a podium for the team is well within reach, if not the top step.”
Hugh Plumb
“What could be better, amazing racetrack, beautiful part of the world with a great group of talent at TGM. Would like more than anything to give this team a well-deserved win here in California. On this tightened schedule things happen really quickly and I know we will be prepared. We have so many of the pieces we need but given the pool of talent in IMSA Michelin Pilot, everything needs to come together on race day.”
Matt Plumb
“It’s been an interesting season with a range of results. We want to get our mojo back coming into Laguna this weekend. I feel like the team has not gotten the results that it deserves as of late but we’re planning on putting some American muscle up front.”
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.
