WATKINS GLEN, NY (July 1, 2021) – After an afternoon of almost non-stop showers, the rain stopped just in time for IMSA Michelin Pilot GS qualifying for the Sahlen’s 120 At The Glen for Team TGM to score a second row start for tomorrow.

Hugh Plumb #46 will start from fourth in Friday’s two-hour sprint race in his Chevrolet Camaro.

In a twist, the sister #64 car was qualified by Owen Trinkler. Team owner and driver, Ted Giovanis who normally qualifies explained, “It was a strategic call to have Owen qualify. During our only practice session today, it was raining so hard that IMSA stopped the session short due to the dangerous conditions. Because of this, we didn’t have the car’s set up completely sorted, so we thought it would be best to have Owen drive the qualifying session and determine the best setup for the race tomorrow.

“Hugh and Matt will have a great opportunity starting near the front to battle for the lead, and both cars should be well suited for the possibility of changing conditions in tomorrow’s race. I’ll be starting in the rear of the field of course, but the information we were able to garner with Owen in the car will serve us well during the race.”

The Sahlen’s 120 will take the green flag at 2:35 pm and be broadcast on NBCSN TrackPass and IMSA radio.

Owen Trinkler

“We made a last-minute decision to have me qualify and I think everyone agrees that what we learned in the session will be very beneficial for tomorrow’s race.
“We now have good data whether rain or dry during the race and according to the forecast it could be either.”

Hugh Plumb

“We qualified fourth, of course I’m never completely happy unless I’m on the front row or better yet, on pole, but as always super happy with the team and the setup I was given.
“I couldn’t be with a better team, Ted and Kristina Giovanis, my co-driver… I’m a lucky guy.
“Tomorrow will be a great two-hour race. We’ll go to the front and hang out there and plan to be there when the checkered flag falls.”

 

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.