LAKEVILLE, CT (July 17, 2022) – After a disappointing trip to Canada, everyone on Team TGM was excited to return to Lime Rock Park, a circuit they all enjoy and have much past success. However, the “bullring” circuit was not kind to the team.
After a very strong start, both TGM cars would retire about mid-way through the two-hour race.
From the start, the #46 car was fast and running in podium positions. After the first pit stop where the Team TGM crew shined, Matt Plumb jumped into second position and was headed for the lead position. However, shortly after the restart, he was hit from behind, and forced into the barrier.
The #64 car with Owen Trinkler which started at the back of the pack as Owen did not qualify, was marching through the field however, the entry was ineligible to continue after Owen met maximum drive time as Ted Giovanis was dealing with health issues.
“Unfortunately, I woke this morning not feeling well and didn’t feel it was prudent to get into a race car. I always want to do what is best for myself, the team and other competitors and not feeling 100%, it just made sense to error on the side of caution and sit this one out.
“It was just one of those unpleasant days at the track. Owen started at the back of the field and was working his way through the back marker cars with some fantastic driving,” said team owner and driver Ted Giovanis.
“This place is always challenging with the very short, tight track, and Matt was just simply the victim of some very aggressive driving by another competitor. That one hurts because the car damage could be extensive. It certainly doesn’t look good, but hopefully, the rebuild will be minimal.”
Next up for Team TGM is the longest circuit on the schedule at Road America, August 6th, where the team will return to an endurance format with a 4-hour race.
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Ted Giovanis
“We were looking forward to Lime Rock because the car was really good, the setup was right, and we were hanging in there. It’s good that Owen got some points. That was our plan. It’s disappointing that the 46 car got in that altercation, but we will do a quick turnaround and get everything together for Road America. It’s a great track. I like the track so all in all we’re looking forward to going there.”
Owen Trinkler
“”It was a good run for us. We love coming here, we have two wins here and a pole. Lime Rock is always a special place for me. It was the home track for another team I used to drive for so I love coming here. It kind of reminds me of my circle track days, especially the last 30 minutes before we had an issue and had to stop.
“It was a lot of fun duking it out. There was a bit of crazy driving going on out there, but that’s short-track racing for you. My background is on oval tracks, so it really didn’t bother me. We’ll move onto Road America – we’ve got that one circled. It’s a four-hour race, and we’ve had success with this format this year already.”
Hugh Plumb
“There were moments of brilliance until there wasn’t. It’s so unfortunate because we have so many great things happening, and all it takes on a track like this that is so tight and everyone is looking for the same piece of real estate, nobody is willing to give an inch. These things are bound to happen. Team TGM, Ted, and Kristina Giovanis, all the crew will persevere. They always say that good things happen after really sh%^#y things happen, so that is what we can really wish for. I’d feel a lot different, but you have to take these things in stride and just learn what you can and walk away with your head high. We’ll be back.”
Matt Plumb
“Lime Rock is pretty unique in how short and tight the track is. The whole field is covered within a second, and I think what caused the whole problem. After the first yellow, you had a whole stack of cars that came in for tires and driver change and a stack that did not. So there was a whole mess of pro drivers on sticker tires and then a bunch of log jams with people on old tires. It’s just really frustrating because Team TGM had amazing pit stops, they prepared a great car, and we were looking for a rebound result.”
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.
