BRASELTON, GA (Friday, October 13, 2023) – The racer who co-drove with Ted Giovanis in his first-ever IMSA race at Daytona bid farewell to the team today at Road Atlanta with Ed York retiring after today’s final round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
York sold Giovanis his first race car and later co-drove with him at Daytona in 2006. Returning to the team as a crew member in 2014, York has been by Giovanis’ side as the man strapping him into his car before each race.
Next year, Giovanis will have a new crew member strapping him in, with York deciding to retire after today’s event, which was caution-filled as the teams battled slippery conditions.
At the famous Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in the North Georgia hills, the steep elevation and esses became treacherous with the heavy mist that plagued today’s event.
After running in the top four early in the race, the No.46 Aston Martin Vantage of Hugh and Matt Plumb finished the season with a top ten in ninth place. Giovanis and co-driver Owen Trinkler crossed the line in 14th
Giovanis had lots to celebrate off track this week, launching his second book – FOCUS FORWARD, Life lessons from racing.
“I think we did a good job staying out of trouble and not being part of any of the cautions. For us today, top 15 for both cars is not a bad day under the conditions,” said Giovanis.
“With early cautions, I stayed close to the field as it packed up time and again. My stint was good, and yellows fell our way, with one coming just when the team had planned on doing our driver change.
“We always race for podium finishes and championships, but this week, I was so proud to be able to promote the new book too.
“This book is so closely tied to my 30+ years in auto racing with a foreword by Leigh Diffey and many quotes throughout the book from names any sports car racing fan will recognize.”
Giovanis’ new book will officially go on sale on November 9, but is now available for pre-order. The 48-chapter book features key life lessons Giovanis has learned throughout his three-decade career in the sport.
FOCUS FORWARD, Life Lessons from Racing can be purchased on-site at Road Atlanta from the Styled Aesthetic merchandise outlet at the track.
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Ted Giovanis
“All in all we came back with two clean cars in a race that many others did not do the same. We expect more from our races, but today survival was key.
“It was a pretty emotional day for Ed (York) and myself. It will be a bit strange next year having somebody else help strap me in each race.
“He has been a great friend and an incredible part of the TGM crew. We all are certainly going to miss him next year.”
Owen Trinkler
“We were a bit challenged on straight line speed today however, we added lots of information to our notebooks about the Aston Martin Vantage, which will pay off next season. We will test over the off-season and learn even more.
“There was a glitch in one pit stop – the Team TGM guys did a great job we just had a bit of trouble with the driver exchange, which is an anomaly, Ted and I usually have very smooth driver changes.
“We will learn from this and work improvements into our 2024 season
Hugh Plumb
“Honestly, we are disappointed in today’s finish, but there are many positives to take away. We survived the mayhem of cautions, rain, and yellows that did not go our way.
“We have two cars in good condition that can go into testing during the off-season.
“I would be remiss if I did not mention that today marks the retirement of long-time Team TGM veteran, Ed York! We cannot thank him enough for his exceptional contributions to the success of the team, for his constant support and friendship.”
Matt Plumb
“We thought we were on track for a podium finish with a really strong run from Hugh for well over half the race.
“He consistently ran in the top three, however, there seemed to be some confusion from timing/scoring, which had the pace car picking up the field after a caution at an odd place and putting us down a lap.
“We worked hard to get back up into the top 10, especially with so little race time, lots of pace car laps. I’m proud of the entire Team TGM crew; they worked through adverse conditions to help us finish strong.”
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.
