TEAM TGM GRABS DOUBLE PODIUM AT DAYTONA

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Friday, January 26, 2024) – Team TGM has started the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in the best possible way, with both of the team’s Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 entries standing on the podium after the four-hour battle.

The series season opener delivered an edge-of-your-seat race at Daytona International Speedway, with the final results not settled until the race’s final moments.

At the checkered flag, Team TGM’s Matt Plumb and co-driver Owen Trinkler finished third after receiving a final splash of gas with just a few laps to go.

Also on the podium was the sister car, No. 64, driven by team owner Ted Giovanis, Hugh Plumb and Kris Wilson. The trio scored their first Bronze Cup win in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Championship.

The final 30 minutes of the race were driven by fuel strategy decisions for the entire field but especially dramatic for the top ten.

At the race start, Owen Trinkler turned his front row start into a race lead, and the No.46 entry remained in contention, running with the front of the pack for the entire race.

“The last few minutes were hectic. It’s always that fine line of how much you want to push or save the position you are in,” said Matt Plumb, who piloted the No. 46 Aston Martin to the race finish.

“Everybody up at the front was giving each other room, but it was starting to get a little more tense at the end. I realized that everyone was in fuel save mode. The camaraderie was there but you could tell at any minute everyone was going to go their separate ways the last few laps.

“I think we made the most of our weekend. Coming back from Owen’s incident in testing and where we were at the end of last season, we really put everything together today.”

Owen Trinkler had added incentive after a very trying month and a half on the recovery trail.

“The last six weeks have been hell for me,” Trinkler said.

“An incident happened here testing in mid-December, which resulted in severe burns. I’ve had two surgeries and was in the hospital for almost three weeks. 

“The team at Halifax Hospital took great care of me. IMSA was so gracious with John Doonan and Jim France taking care of things here in Daytona and getting me back to Nashville to Vanderbilt Hospital, where I could not have gotten better care. I’m so thankful for all the care I’ve received.  

“We weren’t sure how my arm would react but I drove an hour and a half in the car. Gave enough time for Matt so that he wasn’t completely exhausted at the end. I will keep getting better, and we will be ready for Sebring.”

Next up for Team TGM is round two of the series at Sebring International Raceway.

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Ted Giovanis - “We’re excited to bring the Aston Martins to Mid-Ohio. With strong results in the first three races and leads in all championships, consistency remains key. Welcoming Kris Wilson back as the third driver on the #64 adds to our momentum as we head into a busy stretch.”

Hugh Plumb - “Mid-Ohio is special to me—my first pro win and Ted’s 2020 championship victory happened here. The new surface will make things interesting, and a four-hour Sunday race is fantastic for teams and fans. We’re hungry for a win to maintain our championship lead.”

Matt Plumb - “Leading the championship after three races is great, but the goal is to be on top after race ten. Mid-Ohio is technical and perfect for a longer race where our strategy and pit stops shine. A win here would be the next big step for us.”

Paul Holton - “I’m thrilled for my first four-hour endurance race with Team TGM. The smooth, repaved Mid-Ohio surface allows unique tire strategies that could benefit GT4 cars. Matt and I are ready to fight for a strong finish and keep him leading the championship.”