What began as a bold vision became instant success. Rum Bum Racing entered GRAND-AM competition in 2010 and immediately announced their presence with a victory in their very first race at Daytona International Speedway.
Founder Luis Bacardi and driver Gian Bacardi paired with Matt Plumb behind the wheel of the BMW M3, and the results spoke for themselves — three victories and ten podium finishes in their debut season.
The team finished 5th overall in championship standings and contributed to BMW’s Manufacturer Championship, proving that Rum Bum Racing was not just a new name in the paddock, but a genuine contender.
The 2015 season was Rum Bum Racing’s strongest showing since the championship years. Four victories — at Daytona, Road America, Virginia International Raceway, and beyond — put the team back in championship contention.
The Plumb brothers showed increasing chemistry, with Hugh Plumb earning a pole position at Daytona and Matt Plumb continuing to rewrite the record books. A third Road America win in four years cemented that circuit as one of the team’s most dominant tracks.
The 2012 season was nothing short of dominant. Rum Bum Racing won five of ten races — a 50% win rate that commanded attention from every team in the paddock.
The season featured a bold mid-year switch from the BMW M3 to the Porsche 997, a gamble that paid off immediately with a victory at Barber Motorsports Park in the car’s debut. The team went on to win at Homestead, Road America, Watkins Glen, and clinched the GRAND-AM Team Championship at Lime Rock Park.
The 2011 season solidified Rum Bum Racing’s position as a frontrunner. With Matt Plumb and Nick Longhi now a proven pairing behind the wheel of the BMW M3, the team delivered another three-win season.
A repeat victory at Daytona proved the debut-year success was no fluke. Wins at Lime Rock Park and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course demonstrated versatility across different track types, while the team contributed to BMW’s second consecutive Manufacturer Championship.
The 2014 season marked a new chapter. Hugh Plumb joined as co-driver alongside brother Matt Plumb, while championship partner Nick Longhi transitioned from the cockpit to the engineering side as Technical Director.
Despite the driver lineup changes, the team remained competitive — winning at Kansas Speedway and claiming multiple podiums throughout the season. A 4th place championship finish proved the new Plumb brothers pairing had immediate chemistry.
Matt Plumb’s career wins total continued to climb, establishing him as the winningest driver in IMSA Continental Tire history with 21 victories — a record that still stands.
Defending a championship is harder than winning one — and Rum Bum Racing made it look routine. The 2013 season delivered a second consecutive Team Championship and the team’s first-ever Driver’s Championship for Matt Plumb and Nick Longhi.
Three victories at Barber Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, and Road America anchored a season of consistency — 7 podiums and 9 top-5 finishes in 11 starts. The mid-season debut of the in-house built Porsche 997 GTS at Mid-Ohio showed the team’s growing engineering capability.
The final chapter of Rum Bum Racing was written the same way the first one was — with speed, passion, and podium finishes.
The 2016 season opened with Hugh Plumb claiming pole position at Daytona, setting the tone for what would be a fiercely competitive final year. Four victories and eight podiums in eleven races — consistency that rivaled the championship seasons — proved the team had lost none of its edge.
Luis Bacardi is the visionary founder and owner of Rum Bum Racing. A direct descendant of Facundo Bacardi—founder of the famous liquor company—Luis is an American entrepreneur who discovered the power of motorsports marketing in 2008 while sponsoring a racing program to promote a new business venture.
From Sponsor to Team Owner
That initial exposure to motorsports transformed Luis into a true racing aficionado. He saw firsthand the incredible marketing value that racing provided—the visibility, the passion of the fans, and the prestige of competition. It was such a powerful tool for his businesses that by 2010, he had built his own Rum Bum Racing organization.
The BMW M3 was Rum Bum Racing’s first competition car, carrying the team to an incredible debut and establishing the foundation for everything that followed.
The Beginning
When Rum Bum Racing entered the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in 2010, they chose the BMW M3 (E90/E92) as their weapon of choice. The decision proved inspired—the team won their very first race at Daytona International Speedway with Matt Plumb and Gian Bacardi behind the wheel.
Hugh Plumb, Matt’s older brother, joined Rum Bum Racing when Nick Longhi stepped away from driving duties. The Plumb brothers had previously raced together at Bill Fenton Motorsports, making Hugh a natural fit for the championship-caliber program.
Olympic Heritage
Like his brother Matt, Hugh is the son of Olympic athletes Michael Plumb and Donnan Sharp. While Matt pursued a traditional career in finance before returning to racing, Hugh had continued in motorsports, gaining experience in street bikes and sports car racing.
Nick Longhi joined Rum Bum Racing in 2010 as a spotter before moving to the driver’s seat mid-season, beginning one of the most successful driver pairings in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history.
Professional Background
Beyond his role at Rum Bum Racing, Nick brought extensive professional experience as a race engineer, development driver, and coach across multiple series including Indy Lights, Barber Dodge Pro Series, Speed World Challenge, Rolex GT, Ferrari Challenge, and Historic racing.
Gian Bacardi was the founding driver of Rum Bum Racing, taking the wheel when his father Luis launched the team in 2010. A graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School Championship in 2008, Gian brought youthful energy and natural talent to the fledgling program.
At just 19 years old, Gian showed remarkable dedication. His mentor Matt Plumb spoke with glowing pride, noting that just four months before his first race, Gian couldn’t drive a stick shift—yet he quickly progressed to winning races. He crammed years of learning into just a few months through incredible commitment.
The Audi R8 GRAND-AM represented Rum Bum Racing’s ambitious step up to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, partnering with Audi Sport customer racing for a memorable debut.
The Rolex 24 Dream
Fresh off their 2012 Continental Tire championship, Rum Bum Racing set their sights higher—competing in the legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GT class. The team partnered with Audi Sport customer racing and secured an incredible driver lineup.
Joe Varde brought over 30 years of professional motorsports experience to Rum Bum Racing as Team Manager, providing the operational expertise that transformed a young team into championship contenders.
A Career of Excellence
Before joining Rum Bum Racing, Joe had already accumulated an extraordinary record: 6 professional championships and 57 victories across various racing series. His wealth of experience in team operations, race strategy, and personnel management made him the perfect choice to lead the team’s trackside efforts.
Matt Plumb served as both lead driver and General Manager of Rum Bum Racing, guiding the team from concept to the most successful program in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Economics from the University of Virginia.
Early Racing Career
Matt began his racing career in 1997, winning the Skip Barber Formula Dodge Championship in his rookie season with an incredible 13 wins. Since then, he accumulated over 20 professional victories while competing in six different championships before joining Rum Bum Racing. If it has a steering wheel and tires, he can drive it.
The Porsche 997 transformed Rum Bum Racing from race winners into champions, delivering back-to-back titles and cementing the team’s place in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history.
The Switch to Porsche
After two successful seasons with BMW, Rum Bum Racing made the bold decision to switch to Porsche for 2012. The move paid immediate dividends—the team won five of ten races and captured their first championship.
Technical Specifications
Engine: 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six
Power: Approximately 450 horsepower
Transmission: 6-speed sequential
Class: Grand Sport (GS)
2012: The Breakthrough
The Porsche’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular:
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IN THE RECORD BUSINESS, IMITATION IS NOT THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY. HERE IS A LIST OF MUSICIANS OR GROUPS WHO HAVE BEEN SUED FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT:
Artikal Sound System v. Dua Lipa (“Live Your Life” vs. “Levitating”)
The Estate of Randy Wolfe v. Led Zeppelin (“Taurus” [Spirit] vs. “Stairway to Heaven”)
The Estate of Jimmy Smith v. Drake (“Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2”)
Radiohead v. Lana Del Rey (“Creep” vs. “Get Free”)
Estate of Marvin Gaye v. Ed Sheeran (“Thinking Out Loud” vs. Let’s Get it On”)
Queen and David Bowie v. Vanilla Ice (“Pressure” vs. “Ice Ice Baby”)
Estate of Marvin Gaye v. Robin Thicke and Pharell Williams (“Got to Give it Up” vs.“Blurred Lines.”
Fogerty (Label for Credence Clearwater Revival) v. Fogerty (“Run Through the Jungle” “The Old Man Down the Road”)
Roy Orbison v. 2 Live Crew (“Pretty Woman”)
Rolling Stones v. The Verve (“The Last Time” vs .“Bittersweet Symphony”)
Bright Tunes Music Copr. (The Chiffons) v. George Harrison (“He’s So Fine” vs. “My Sweet Lord”)
The Hollies v. Radiohead (“The Air That I Breathe” vs. “Creep”)
Huey Lewis and the News v. Ray Parker, Jr. (“I want a New Drug” vs. “Ghostbusters”)
Tom Petty v. Sam Smith (“I Won’t Back Down” vs. “Stay With Me”)
The Kinks v. The Doors (“All Day and All of the Night” vs. “Hello, I Love You”)
Jake Holmes v. Led Zeppelin (“Dazed and Confued” vs. “Dazed and Confused”)
Willie Dixon v. Led Zeppelin (“You Need Love” vs. “Whole Lotta Love”)
Willie Dixon v. Led Zeppelin (“Bring it On Home” vs. “Bring it ON Home”)
Matt Cardle v. Ed Sheeran (“Amazing” vs. “Photograph”)
Joe Satriani v. Cold Play (“If I Could Fly” vs. “Viva La Vida”)
NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE. IN THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, THERE WERE RUMOURS, OR ALLEGATIONS, OR SOCIAL MEDIA BLATHER, ABOUT ALLEGED PLAGIARISM. WHAT DO YOU THINK? LISTEN FOR YOURSELF AND DECIDE.EXAMPLE 1: BILLY HALLEY & HIS COMETS, “ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK” (1950s)
https://youtu.be/ZgdufzXvjqw
Similar to HANK WILLIAMS’ “MOVE IT ON OVER” (1940s) https://youtu.be/-Lza3NVH6Ig ?
EXAMPLE 2: CHUCK BERRY, “SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN, ” (1958) https://youtu.be/ZLV4NGpoy_E .
Similar to THE BEACH BOYS, “SURFIN’ USA” (1963)
https://youtu.be/EDb303T-B1wN ?
EXAMPLE 3: BOSTON, “MORE THAN A FEELING” (1976),
https://youtu.be/t4QK8RxCAwo .
A) Similar to NIRVANA, “SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT” (1991) https://youtu.be/hTWKbfoikeg ?
B) What about the “Weird Al” Yankovic version, “SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA”
https://youtu.be/FklUAoZ6KxY (1992)?
EXAMPLE 4: THE WHO, “BABA O’RILEY” (1971) https://youtu.be/x2KRpRMSu4g
Similar to BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE, “YOU A’INT SEEN NOTHING YET,”
https://youtu.be/99lyU5N--f8 (1974 ) ?
EXAMPLE 5: JETHRO TULL, “WE USED TO KNOW,” (1969) https://youtu.be/5EBQ-ljFlt4 .
Similar to EAGLES, “HOTEL CALIFORNIA” (1976) https://youtu.be/BciS5krYL80 . See also https://youtu.be/f_gt76Ld6aIEXAMPLE 6: QUEEN and DAVID BOWIE, “UNDER PRESSURE” https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk (1981). A) Similar to
VANILLA ICE’S “ICE ICE BABY” https://youtu.be/rog8ou-ZepE (1990)?
B) What about the Jim Carrey version presented on In Living Color? https://youtu.be/1BTJ_n9Oqs0 (1991)
EXAMPLE 7: SPIRIT, “TAURUS » https://youtu.be/gFHLO_2_THg (1968)
Similar to “STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN” https://youtu.be/QkF3oxziUI4 (1971)?
See also https://youtu.be/ye7hCIWwhGEScore Card:
1)
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK: Infringing: YES______ NO_____
2)
SURFIN’ USA: Infringing: YES______ NO_____
3)
A) SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT: Infringing: YES____ NO_____
B) SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA: Infringing: YES:____ NO_____
4)
YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET: Infringing: YES____ NO_____
5)
HOTEL CALIFORNIA: Infringing: YES____ NO____
6)
A) ICE ICE BABY. Infringing: YES____ NO____
B) ICE ICE BABY (Carrey Vers.). Infringing: YES____ NO____
7)
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Infringing YES___ NO___
1969: Laser Printer
Mouse Pad
Taser
Magnetic Levitaion (Maglev)
1970: Fiber Optics
1971: Personal Computer (P.C.)
E-Mail
Anti-Lock Brakes
Universal Product Code (UPC) (Bar Code)
1972: Video Game Console
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
1973: Cellular Telephone
Voice Mail
1974: Post-It Notes
GPS
1975: Digital Camera
1978: Electronic Spreadsheet
Microwave Popcorn Bag
1979: Sony Walkman
1981: Space Shuttle
Graphical Use Interface (clicking icons and images with a mouse)
1982: Computer Virus
1983: Microsoft Word
1984: Macintosh (Apple) Personal Computer
DNA Sequencing
1986: 3-D Printing
1988: Disposable Contact Lenses
Stealth Bomber
1989: WorldWide Web (HTML) and (URL)
1990: Hubble Space Telescope
Photoshop
Caller ID
Portable GPS
1991: Mobile Broadband
1992: E-Mail
Text-Messaging
1994: Predator Drone
Bluetooth (2000: incorporated into products)
1996: Google (search)
Cloning
DVDs
1997: Hybrid Car (Gas/Electric)
Netflix
Flat Screen Display
MP3 Players
1998: International Space Station
1999: WiFi
2000: Virtual Reality Generator
Camera Phone
USB Flash Drive
PlayStation 2
2001: iPod
Human Genome Map
Wikipedia
2002: Blu-ray Disc
2004: Facebook
2005: You Tube
Google Maps
2006: Twitter
Wii
2007: iPhone
2008: Android Smart Phone
2009: Fitbit
Bitcoin
2010: Siri
2012: Google Glass
2013: Self-Driving Car
2015: Tesla Model X
Reusable Rockets
2016: Oculus Rift
2018: Metal 3-D Printing
RESPECT
Original: Otis Redding
Cover: Arthea Franklin
BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY
Original: Peter Frampton
Covers: Will to Power (w. Freebird Medley)
Big Mountain
ANGEL OF THE MORNING
Original: Merilee Rush
Covers: Juice Newton
Shaggy
THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD
Original: David Bowie
Cover: Nirvana
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Original: Dolly Parton
Cover: Whitney Houston
LOUIE, LOUIE
Original: Richard Berry
Cover: The Kingsmen
PROUD MARY
Original: Ike and Tina Turner
Cover: Credence Clearwater Revival
GLORIA
Original: Van Morrison
Cover: Patti Smith
LA BAMBA
Original: Richie Vallens
Cover: Los Lobos
I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL
Original: Th Arrows
Cover: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
Original: Bob Dylan
Cover: Jimi Hendrix
AMERICAN WOMAN
Original:
Cover: Lenny Kravitz
TORN
Original: Lis Sorenson
Cover: Natalie Imbruglia
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND
Original: Carole King
Cover: James Taylor
LET’S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER
Original: The Rolling Stones
Cover: David Bowie
KILLING ME SOFTLY
Original: Lori Lieberman
Cover: The Fugees (Lauryn Hill)
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Original: Robert Hazard
Cover: Cyndi Lauper
TWIST AND SHOUT
Origina; The Isely Brothers
Cover; The Beatles
JOLENE
Original: Dolly Parton
Cover: The White Stripes
HALLELUJAH
Original: Leonard Cohen
Cover: Jeff Buckley
MACARTHUR PARK
Original: Richard Harris
Cover: Donna Summer
VENUS
Original: Shocking Blue
Cover: Banarama
BLUE SUEDE SHOES
Origina: Carl Perkins
Cover: Elvis Presley
A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
Original: The Beatles (Ringo Starr)
Cover: Joe Cocker
BECAUSE THE NIGHT
Original: Bruce Springsteen
Cover: Patti Smith
BIG YELLOW TAXI (THEY PAVED PARADISE)
Original: Joni Mitchell
Cover: Counting Crows
HOTEL CALIFORNIA
Original: The Eagles
Cover: The Gypsy Kings
SUMMER BREEZE
Original: Seals & Croft
Cover: The Isley Brothers
WITHOUT YOU
Original: Badfinger
Cover: Harry Nilsson
TAINTED LOVE
Original: Gloria Jones
Cover: Soft Cell
ALWAYS ON MY MIND
Original: Willie Nelson; Elvis Presley
Cover: Pet Shop Boys
RED RED WINE
Original: Neil Diamond
Cover: UB40
MY WAY
Original: Frank Sinatra
Cover: Sid Vicious
Here’s the schedule for NASCAR champion’s week Nashville, Tennessee is set to host the NASCAR Awards ceremony. The show takes place at Music City Center. View the 2022 NASCAR Awards schedule below. All 16 NASCAR Cup Series playoff drivers will be in attendance. NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver will be announced during the show. Thursday’s NASCAR Awards will not be shown live. Instead, the show will air via a tape delay on Saturday.
NASCAR Cup Series Champion: Joey Logano NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion: Ty Gibbs NASCAR Truck Series Champion: Zane Smith Country music artist Erin Kinsey will perform during the show. NASCAR Awards Show 2022 Schedule 5:00PM CT Music City Center 8:00pm ET December 3, 2022 Peacock (Tape Delayed)
Here’s the schedule for NASCAR champion’s week
Nashville, Tennessee is set to host the NASCAR Awards ceremony. The show takes place at Music City Center.
View the 2022 NASCAR Awards schedule below.
All 16 NASCAR Cup Series playoff drivers will be in attendance. NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver will be announced during the show.
Thursday’s NASCAR Awards will not be shown live. Instead, the show will air via a tape delay on Saturday.
**NASCAR Cup Series
**Champion: Joey Logano
** **
**NASCAR Xfinity Series
**Champion: Ty Gibbs
** **
**NASCAR Truck Series
**Champion: Zane Smith
Country music artist Erin Kinsey will perform during the show.
** **
NASCAR Awards Show
2022 Schedule
**5:00PM CT
**Music City Center
** **
8:00pm ET
December 3, 2022
Peacock (Tape Delayed)
This Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm car show at Cheddars located at 16455 SW 88 Street Miami Fl 33196. Parking is in the back. All free event. All cars makes models years clubs etc. are welcome. Please respect our simple rules: no burnouts no peeling out no loud music or open containers. Thank you all for your continued support. For more information follow us on Instagram @kustomwheelscarshowmiami or on Facebook @ Kustom Wheels Car Show.
This Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm car show at Cheddars located at 16455 SW 88 Street Miami Fl 33196. Parking is in the back. All free event. All cars makes models years clubs etc. are welcome. Please respect our simple rules: no burnouts no peeling out no loud music or open containers. Thank you all for your continued support. For more information follow us on Instagram @kustomwheelscarshowmiami or on Facebook @ Kustom Wheels Car Show.
After more than a decade of competition, Rum Bum Racing took to the grid one final time at Sebring International Raceway. The team that had become synonymous with Porsche endurance racing in North America was about to write its last chapter.
The Final Start
As the green flag dropped on the 12 Hours of Sebring, emotions ran high in the Rum Bum Racing pit. Crew members who had been with the team since the beginning stood shoulder to shoulder with newcomers, all united in their determination to give the program a proper sendoff.
