Victory in the Very First Race

In the world of motorsports, debut victories are rare. Winning your very first race as a brand-new team? That’s the stuff of legend. On January 29, 2010, Rum Bum Racing did exactly that.

A Dream Beginning

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season opener at Daytona International Speedway marked the first official race for the newly formed Rum Bum Racing team. With Matt Plumb and Gian Bacardi behind the wheel of the #13 BMW M3, the team entered the paddock as unknowns—and left as winners.

The Race

Racing on the iconic Daytona road course, Plumb and Bacardi delivered a flawless performance. The BMW M3 proved to be a formidable weapon, and the team’s preparation paid dividends throughout the race. When the checkered flag fell, Rum Bum Racing had secured victory in their very first attempt.

Setting the Tone

This wasn’t beginner’s luck. The debut victory at Daytona set the tone for what would become one of the most successful programs in series history. The 2010 season would see Rum Bum Racing claim two more victories—at Trois-Rivières and Miller Motorsports Park—and help BMW capture the Manufacturer Championship.

The Beginning of a Legacy

That January day at Daytona was the first chapter in a remarkable story. Over the next seven seasons, Rum Bum Racing would go on to accumulate 21 victories, 32 podiums, and multiple championships. But it all started here, with a debut win that announced to the world: Rum Bum Racing had arrived.

“When we started this team, the goal was simple: win races. We just didn’t expect to do it on day one.”