Jason Plato, love him or hate him, he sure is a character and has done a hell of a lot for motorsport.
Here’s 10 reasons why we think Jason Plato is the best Touring Car driver in the modern era……
Sorry Matt Neal fans
10. HIS DRIVING STYLE
He truly does drive it like he stole it!
You can see this in his results, he has a record amount of wins, yet only two championships.
His driving style and attitude to racing has meant he has gone into the last round of the championship with a mathematical chance of winning numerous times, but his desire to go for the win has only seen him clinch that title twice.
9. HE SPEAKS HIS MIND
It’s refreshing to have a driver speak their mind, yes he did moan a bit about the turbo cars in 2011, but there is normally some comedy gold when a camera is put infront of him. Check out the end of this interview.
8. HE BRINGS IN THE BACKING
He sure does know how to bring in the backing, from bringing in manufacturers such as MG and Subaru, to his long standing sponsors such as Tesco.
All of this is done whilst being himself and not Mr Corporate, in recent years he’s always landed himself a seat on the grid, even if he hasn’t had the best results…….
7. SETTING UP THE KX ACADEMY
Where would Tom Ingram be without the KX Academy?
Sure he would still be on the grid, but you only have to watch Tingram on a post race interview so see how Plato’s influence has rubbed off on him.
Also top marks for getting a company as big as Tesco to back the programme, which saw it support Tom Ingram, Sam Tordoff and Mike Bushell amongst others.
6. THE ROLL AT DONINGTON
That roll isn’t really why we think Jason is one of the best modern Touring Car drivers, but it was pretty epic how the team got the car out for the next race.
The Silverline stickers at the next round at Thruxton were placed on the car upside down… Genius!
5. FIFTH GEAR
There’s no denying Plato has done a huge amount in raising the profile of the BTCC, whilst there are and have been better drivers than him, no one has done as much for the series as Jason.
A household name and a long term presenter on Fith Gear, Jason has entertained us on and off the track.
4. HE WROTE A BLOODY GOOD BOOK
Love him or hate him his book is a fantastic read, packed full of great stories and insights into his career. Hopefully it inspires more drivers to do the same.
3. SILVERSTONE 2017
Silverstone 2017, not a weekend for Plato to remember in terms of results. After he crashed out he grabbed a beer, watched the rest of the race then got a lift back to the pits with Andrew Jordan.
It’s moments like this that make Motorsport for us.
2. THE TIME HE ENTERTAINED THE MARSHALLS
The team principal of Jason’s rival team made some choice comments about the marshalls.
Jason’s reponse…… drop them off some KX energy drinks and give them a little speech!
1. AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON JASON PLATO IS THE BEST MODERN TOURING CAR DRIVER IS….
Matt Neal! If it wasn’t for the tall Honda racer we wouldn’t have enjoyed the drama on and off track (Rockingham anyone?!)
Matt goes about his business in the complete opposite way to Plato, but is still a legend of the series. It’s been their fierce rivalry that has kept us hooked and helped put the Touring Cars back into the focus of the public in modern times.
It was amazing to see them sit down face to face on The Late Brake Show, if you haven’t seen it already it’s well worth a watch.
So how did we do? Do you agree that Jason Plato is the best modern Touring Car driver?
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