DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Team TGM, a long-time competitor in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, is returning to that series full time in 2021 and expanding its racing footprint by making its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut at the season opener, the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Owner Ted Giovanis said Tuesday that the team will field a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GT Daytona (GTD) class at the Rolex 24, with the driver lineup to be named. Team TGM will partner in the effort with Wright Motorsports, whose Porsche was the class winner at this year’s season finale, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts, and finished just two points shy of the GTD season championship.
“I’ve been involved in racing a long time and have put together a great team with an incredible depth of talent,” said Giovanis, who started the team in 1991. “The Rolex 24 has been on my radar for many years, and I think the time is right, the team is right, to step up to the challenge.”
Team TGM won the 2018 Pilot Challenge driver and team championships behind drivers Hugh Plumb and Owen Trinkler. The team competed in only one race this year, the January opener at Daytona International Speedway. It plans a full-season effort with two Chevrolet Camaros in 2021.
“We’re fully invested in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series and competing for a championship there, however, a run for a Rolex 24 win is on everyone’s bucket list,” Giovanis said. “It will be a big challenge but the team is ready.
“We’ve crossed the first major hurdle and taken delivery of the race car. Now, quite a few parts are coming together quickly as we continue to prepare.”
Giovanis believes he has a step up in those preparations, thanks to the alignment with John Wright’s team.
“John has been closely affiliated with Porsche for many years and his wealth of experience and knowledge in all things Porsche is invaluable,” Giovanis said. “He and his team will be a huge help for us as we make the step into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Daytona.”
The 2021 Pilot Challenge season begins with a four-hour race at Daytona on Friday, Jan. 29. The Rolex 24 At Daytona to kick off the WeatherTech Championship season starts on Saturday, Jan. 30.