Lakeville, Conn. (29 September 2012) – Rum Bum Racing had one goal entering the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season finale at Lime Rock Park — win.
Drivers Matt Plumb and Nick Longhi executed Joe Varde’s game plan to perfection as the team scored its fifth race win of the year to lock in the GRAND-AM Team Championship.
The win marked the second victory in as many years for the team at Lime Rock Park and was the first-ever Championship for the young team, which won in its debut at Daytona International Speedway in January 2010. 
For the season-finale event, Rum Bum Racing also fielded the No. 3 BMW which won last year’s Lime Rock race. Piloted by Jeff Segal and Billy Johnson, the BMW team started from the rear of the field – after Friday’s rained out qualifying session saw the grid set by championship point order – and had a strong run through the field earning fifth at the finish.
Longhi opened the race from pole and led the opening 21 laps before pitting to hand the controls over to Plumb. After initially returning to the pack 12th in the order, some strong pace and shrewd strategy saw the No. 13 Porsche once again leading the field.
One more pit stop and some crucial new tires set the stage for Plumb to put in one of his trademark charges to the front. Knowing he not only had to win, but first to finish, Plumb balanced the aggression he needed to move forward with the patience required to make it to the finish.
That was rewarded as he once again was leading the way with just over 30 laps to go. But the championship was not yet settled as the rival 83 Porsche ran just behind, which would have been enough points to secure the championship. But as Plumb grew his lead to the field the rest of the pack eventually consumed the No. 83, which finished sixth at the checkered flag.
“What a great effort!” exclaimed Plumb from Victory Lane. “Luis Bacardi and Jennifer Bacardi — I’m sorry you’re not here to see this moment but they’ve definitely made all of our dreams come true with this championship. There have been ups and downs but this team is always there and is always doing the right thing. They’re always prepared and keep moving forward. Thanks to my co-driver Nick and also the boys that helped us in the 3 car today. Thanks to Joe Varde, Continental Tire, and AST shocks. This is epic.”
Longhi had turned the controls on the Porsche 911 over to Plumb before lapping long enough to be eligible for driver points, but was less concerned about his own fortunes than what the team had accomplished.
“This is a team effort,” said Longhi. “Matt and I have been friends a very long time. This is a true team sport. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Bacardi has created. I also want to thank the efforts of the BGB team. David Empringham—we have been friends for 20 years. John Farano did a fantastic job. It was so exciting, coming down to the wire the last few laps of the championship. It does not get any closer than this. Fantastic!”
SPEED will televise the Lime Rock Park event Sunday, October 14 at 1:00 PM (ET).
