Seven seasons of IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge competition. Relive the glory of 21 victories, 32 podiums, 2 championships, and the moments that made history.
What began as a sponsor's discovery of motorsports marketing became one of the most recognizable programs in American sports car racing.
Luis Bacardi, direct descendant of Facundo Bacardi—founder of the famous liquor company—first discovered the power of motorsports marketing in 2008 as a sponsor while promoting a new business venture. The experience transformed this American entrepreneur into a true racing aficionado.
Already the founder of the Rum Bum lifestyle and entertainment brand, Luis saw motorsports as the ultimate platform. The vibrant livery that would become synonymous with Rum Bum Racing wasn't just paint on a car—it was a statement. Bold blues and electric yellows that could be spotted from anywhere in the paddock, a car that looked as fast standing still as it did at full throttle.
By 2010, Luis had built his own racing organization from the ground up. What started as a powerful marketing tool evolved into something extraordinary: seven seasons of IMSA competition, back-to-back championships, and one of the most recognizable brands in American sports car racing. A testament to what happens when business acumen meets unbridled passion.
"Racing is about family. It's about the people who believe in you, who work beside you, and who celebrate with you."
Seven seasons of IMSA excellence, told through the chapters that defined us
Debut & Early Success
Rum Bum Racing burst onto the scene with a victory in their very first race at Daytona. The BMW M3 years established the team as immediate contenders in GRAND-AM competition.
Back-to-Back Titles
The golden years. Five wins in 2012 secured the first Team Championship, followed by another title in 2013. The mid-season switch to Porsche proved the team could win with any car.
Final Chapters
Continued excellence with the Porsche GT America. Matt Plumb became the winningest driver in IMSA Continental Tire history. The team suspended operations after Sebring 2016, leaving an indelible mark.
The victories, milestones, and memories that shaped the legacy
Rum Bum Racing wins their debut at Daytona International Speedway. Matt Plumb and Gian Bacardi deliver an instant classic.
A breakthrough moment that announced Rum Bum Racing on the national stage. Everything changed after this day.
Rum Bum Racing wins second consecutive Grand-Am championship. Dominance confirmed, legacy building.
The program proves it can compete at the highest level consistently with the first driver's title.
Another big win at Road America. The team delivers when it matters most on one of America's greatest circuits.
The final race at Sebring International Raceway. The last chapter, written with the same passion that started it all.
The owners, drivers, and managers who built the legacy
Luis Bacardi is the visionary founder and owner of Rum Bum Racing. A direct descendant of Facundo Bacardi—founder of the …
Joe Varde brought over 30 years of professional motorsports experience to Rum Bum Racing as Team Manager, providing the …
Matt Plumb served as both lead driver and General Manager of Rum Bum Racing, guiding the team from concept to the most …
Nick Longhi joined Rum Bum Racing in 2010 as a spotter before moving to the driver’s seat mid-season, beginning …
Hugh Plumb, Matt’s older brother, joined Rum Bum Racing when Nick Longhi stepped away from driving duties. The …
Gian Bacardi was the founding driver of Rum Bum Racing, taking the wheel when his father Luis launched the team in 2010. …
The faces behind every victory—mechanics, engineers, and everyone who made the dream possible
"Racing is a team sport. The drivers get the glory, but it's the crew who make it possible. Every early morning, every late night, every moment of dedication—this is for you."
To everyone who was part of this journey—whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes—thank you. The legacy lives on because of you.
The machines that carried the story through every season
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 …
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 …
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. …
Photos and videos from every chapter of the Rum Bum Racing story
Acknowledging the companies and people who supported the team through the years
The victories, milestones, and memories that shaped the legacy
Rum Bum Racing wins their debut at Daytona International Speedway. Matt Plumb and Gian Bacardi deliver an instant classic.
A breakthrough moment that announced Rum Bum Racing on the national stage. Everything changed after this day.
Rum Bum Racing wins second consecutive Grand-Am championship. Dominance confirmed, legacy building.
The program proves it can compete at the highest level consistently with the first driver's title.
Another big win at Road America. The team delivers when it matters most on one of America's greatest circuits.
The final race at Sebring International Raceway. The last chapter, written with the same passion that started it all.
The owners, drivers, and managers who built the legacy
Luis Bacardi is the visionary founder and owner of Rum Bum Racing. A direct descendant of Facundo Bacardi—founder of the …
Joe Varde brought over 30 years of professional motorsports experience to Rum Bum Racing as Team Manager, providing the …
Matt Plumb served as both lead driver and General Manager of Rum Bum Racing, guiding the team from concept to the most …
Nick Longhi joined Rum Bum Racing in 2010 as a spotter before moving to the driver’s seat mid-season, beginning …
Hugh Plumb, Matt’s older brother, joined Rum Bum Racing when Nick Longhi stepped away from driving duties. The …
Gian Bacardi was the founding driver of Rum Bum Racing, taking the wheel when his father Luis launched the team in 2010. …
The machines that carried the story through every season
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 …
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 …
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. …
Photos and videos from every chapter of the Rum Bum Racing story
Acknowledging the companies and people who supported the team through the years
