WATKINS GLEN, NY (June 26, 2021) – Team TGM has come away with a top-five finish in the IMSA Tioga Downs Casino Resort 240 after a day of high heat and multiple yellow flags.
The four-hour endurance race at Watkins Glen International was plagued with caution flags from the start and little green flag racing during the first 90 minutes. However, it was the heat that became the most significant challenge, with air temps topping 90 degrees fahrenheit.
The Team TGM cars both had strong races, with the #46 driven by Hugh and Matt Plumb crossing the line in fifth and the #64 car making the massive jump of 10 places to finish thirteenth.
Both cars raced for the first time with updated liveries promoting team owner and driver Ted Giovanis’s new book – BEYOND FEAR – How I fought the Feds for six years – and won.
“Given everything that went on today, it was a good day. Matt and Hugh finished fifth with a great run, and Owen did a terrific job in our car,” Giovanis said.
“Of course, we were unhappy about the early penalty we received that resulted in a drive-through. It left us behind with some time to make up, but we were able to turn that around and move up through the field. I’m very proud of the team doing their usual great pit stops and strategy.”
The team will turn around very quickly and be back on track at Watkins Glen next Thursday, July 1, for practice and qualifying for the Sahlen 120. The next IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race which will be a two-hour sprint race on Friday, July 2.
Ted Giovanis
“We both had a bit of luck from the yellows and how they fell, and we were able to take advantage of that. As always, the boys on the box did great, and the pit stops were terrific; all in all, not a bad day.
“Early in the race on lap six, I got sandwiched between two TCR cars, and I was given a penalty, but on review, you can see that I was just holding my line so we’ll talk to the officials about it.
“Obviously, we can’t reverse anything, but we want to have the discussion. This doesn’t take away from our good day and the great job all around by the team.”
Owen Trinkler
“Ted did a great job at the beginning of the four hours. We got a penalty and got roughed up a little bit during Ted’s stint.
“We ended up a lap down and never could completely recover and get back the lap.
“But we ended up thirteenth – it was a long run, three hours and 20 minutes in the seat with the heat was tough, but we came home with a decent finish, and we’re looking forward to next Friday.”
Hugh Plumb
“A fifth-place finish really at the end was a good day, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team.
“We had flawless pit stops, and everything went according to plan. We’re just not the quickest car in the field, and it once again showed.
“But we’ll rebound from this and take the top-five finish. Given what we came to this battle with, I’m super happy.
“Matt drove a hell of a race; the strategy was good. We got a bit caught on the final yellow, and it cost us, but all in all, a great day, super happy. As always, I’m very thankful to Ted and Kristina Giovanis.”
Matt Plumb
“A long four-hour event that we successfully completed. We finished fifth after a very hot day – the cockpit was exceptionally warm.
“We had a good day and I couldn’t ask for anything more handling-wise. It was good on the brakes; there is just one section that we are not great at, and unfortunately, that is the section where a lot of passing gets done.
“So we have to work really hard to do the lap we do, then once we go off the peak of these Michelin tires, which are amazing and very consistent, we have a bit of a deficit. It’s just a matter of time and a little bit of luck before we’re back on the podium.”
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.
