As the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge enters its final two races of the 2016 championship this month, TeamTGM is eager to complete the season on a high note.
Earlier this year, drivers Ted Giovanis and Guy Cosmo broke through for the team’s first GS class podium at Road America in the No. 64 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. The duo looked to return to podium form at VIR in the previous IMSA event, but a strange and challenging race that included a surprise monsoon didn’t let the team show its full potential.
Now as the squad heads to the iconic Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas, TeamTGM is all the more motivated to stand on the top step of the podium.
“With 20 turns and about a half dozen slow complex corners, COTA is certainly a challenging track,” said Giovanis of the 3.4-mile venue that plays host to Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix in November. “Of all the tracks on the schedule, this is one where I have the least amount of track time, having been there only twice before. However, I have Guy Cosmo driving with me who has a lot of time at COTA and he has been giving me some pointers. And, it’s great to drive the same track that the F1 guys drive.”
TeamTGM is hopeful of another strong outing and the layout of the track is one that the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport should enjoy.
“The track has a bunch of corners that require directional changes which should be good for our car,” added Giovanis. “Our set up continues to evolve, and we think it will be right for COTA.”
Cosmo, who marks his third start with TeamTGM this weekend, looks forward to returning to the COTA facility where he has logged many laps between racing in the American Le Mans Series and Pirelli World Challenge as well as testing and coaching with his various clients.
“COTA is just an epic facility and it’s a privilege to have and be able to race on such a world-class race track in Austin, Texas,” said Cosmo. “The track is very unique and poses a number of challenges from both a driving and set up perspective, but one that I believe will suit our Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport well. I know what it takes to be fast around here and everyone at TGM is ready to push for our first win in GS competition. We are ready.”
The race event is a quick one, and though the team likely won’t have much time to spend in Austin away from the track, everyone is looking forward to enjoying some of the Texas BBQ that the Lone Star State has on offer.
The Circuit of the Americas festivities kick off on Wednesday with an afternoon practice session. Thursday features a morning practice prior to qualifying in the afternoon. The 2.5-hour race is set to go green on Friday at 12:40 PM local (1:40 PM ET)
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday
1:25 PM – 2:10 PM Practice
Thursday
9:20 AM – 10:05 AM Practice
2:05 PM – 2:20 PM Qualifying
Friday
11:50 AM – 12:30 PM Grid Walk
12:40 PM – 3:10 PM Race
Source. Sunday Group
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