A HUGE HOLE LEFT BEHIND! A Look Back at Jason Plato's BTCC Career

Рет қаралды 67,392

Жыл бұрын

JP's probably trolling and will probably be back next year. Just watch.
But it's a sad time. Because when I started watching the BTCC in the late 90s he was there, and now 25 years later I'm still watching the BTCC and he's STILL there. But next year, he probably won't be. And that's going to feel weird. Just like Kimi, Vettel or Alonso going and Hamilton later on.
So then, let's have a look back at the career of the most successful BTCC driver ever.
Enjoy! And remember to like and subscribe for more!
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Пікірлер: 217

@snoolbrunch Жыл бұрын

Its really sad to see the last driver from the Super Touring Era finally go. I met him at Knockhill this year and he was kind enough to give me his autograph. Hoping that JP stays involved with the season like Matt Neal

@BungleBare Жыл бұрын

He’s got media experience and Steve Ryder is apparently toying with retirement. ITV could do a lot worse than putting Plato into the BTCC coverage. Though they would absolutely need to hammer home the “you can’t say this on live TV” thing ….

@darknewt9959 Жыл бұрын

@@BungleBare Watching him talking with the ITV team on Sunday, I thought exactly the same thing. He'd be a brilliant addition to the team. Though I'd keep Ryder (or replace him with Alan Hyde) and shove that insufferable twerp Paul O'Neill out the door.

@Hesitatedeye Жыл бұрын

Plato was a proper old school driver he was moulded by experience not created by a marketing team I’ll miss him.

@RazorSharp75426 Жыл бұрын

To be honest I used to hate Jason Plato so much, but now I feel that he needs a closer look.

@AidanMillward Жыл бұрын

Plato, Harvey, Cleland, Soper, Neal. All of them did it through graft.

@Oblivion9873 Жыл бұрын

@@AidanMillward cleland says "Im going for first"

@sporkybutterz Жыл бұрын

Neal and Plato...I remember that fight in the pits I believe. Like or hate Plato he definitely was raw and in your face.

@cryptoleed5646 Жыл бұрын

Ditto

@sneakyturtle305 Жыл бұрын

His interview with Matt Neal and Jonny Smith is a MUST watch for anyone who is a big fan of BTCC and the Super Touring era. Gonna miss him a lot once he leaves...

@AidanMillward Жыл бұрын

I watch it several times a year it’s hilarious.

@joeogle7729 Жыл бұрын

Even the solo one with Jonny Smith is great. Honestly I couldn't breathe after that race of champions story with Michael

@shaunwafer6907 Жыл бұрын

I’ve watched it absolutely brilliant

@barneyward6448 Жыл бұрын

As someone who never really liked Plato for most of his career, he did grow on me in his later years of racing, knowing how important a rivalry like his with Matt Neal was to the sport. It did suck to see him struggle a lot in his final year this year, but I'm glad he can go out on his own terms and he's done everything he's needed to do.

@ChazDraycott Жыл бұрын

That final interview by Jason absolutely killed me off - he's a true star and will be missed in the paddock massively. If you haven't already listened to his audiobook, please do - it's beyond epic. I almost crashed the car many times laughing my bollocks off at it!

@TUBZY11 Жыл бұрын

He’s 100% a racing legend. He will be hugely missed.

@aojracing4885 Жыл бұрын

I started watching BTCC too late to see Plato in his prime, but the clips of his fights with Neal are legendary. Keep the touring car content up, I for one love it!

@Bratto90 Жыл бұрын

Loved racing as Plato on the original TOCA game on PS1, then watching him race around my local racetrack Oulton Park. Legend.

@clivedopeman Жыл бұрын

That game was essentially how I discovered BTCC as a kid. And, in turn, how Plato became my first favourite BTCC driver.

@SirGingerOfKnight Жыл бұрын

I'm about a year older than you, and it is 100% the end of a monumental era! One of, if not the most successful BTCC Driver ever depending on stat-spin And yet; by his own admission threw away *at least* 2 more drivers' titles due to being hell-bent on race wins rather than settling for podiums

@dancollier9837 Жыл бұрын

In an interview with Jonny smith he's feels he trews away more than that possibly 5 or 6 titles

@SirGingerOfKnight Жыл бұрын

@@dancollier9837 that was the interview yeah

@joeogle7729 Жыл бұрын

Honestly i cannot recommend enough just listening to some of Jason's stories because he is hilarious and such an amazing story teller. His Lancia Delta Integrale story, what happens if you use (and ruin) Alan Gow's personal bog? And his Race Of Champions story with Michael Schumacher are all something to behold... (he's also got a really good podcast called fuelling around which is also worth a listen)

@BOABModels Жыл бұрын

The last active driver from TOCA Touring Cars for the PS1!

@matthales9807 Жыл бұрын

You just hit me right in the childhood 😞

@joeswift403 Жыл бұрын

Alain Menu, one of the nicest fellas I've ever met, also some of the finest racecraft I've seen. Plato always seemed the scrappier driver when they were team mates, but both got the job done in a fantastic car. Those head to heads with the Audi as the stuff of legend

@mainy1984 Жыл бұрын

My Childhood was half spent on TOCA and TOCA2. So many good memories.

@raykewin3608 Жыл бұрын

Let's not forget. 3rd best Fifth Gear presenter.

@dansmith6909 Жыл бұрын

I remember a young Jason Plato starting out in BTCC

@TK4491TK Жыл бұрын

Aidan, thank you so much for making this video and these kind of videos in general. I do love Formula 1, Australian supercars and Indycar but for me the BTCC has been and will always be the undisputed king of all motorsports. Unfortunately it isn't recognized enough in general compared to Formula 1 for example, so these kind of videos are exactly what's needed and I don't think anyone on KZfaq other than yourself manages to cover topics like this in such great detail. Again thank you very much and keep the BTCC related stuff coming!

@matthales9807 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic career and a fantastic bloke. A proper icon from ToCA games from my childhood

@TheMerlin672 Жыл бұрын

I met Jason at Oulton Park when he drove for Renault, Alain Menu was his team-mate. Lovely guy, 20 mins before the race start and he still acknowledged me, and those after me. I hope he remains within BTCC, he'll be a great commentator.

@sphishex6084 Жыл бұрын

Man, hear names like Jason Plato , Alain Menu, Yvan Muller brings me back to the days of speed channel that carried btcc

@joshdobson2737 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. Plato for always being entertaining and a damn good driver!!

@JohnSmithShields Жыл бұрын

Thank you, brought up a load of old memories of BTCC some from Plato, others from the supertouring days, like Cleland going for first, and a load of belly laughs. If you need any shots of 2022 BTCC cars, loads available for you to use from Croft this year free of charge.

@ZoidPickle Жыл бұрын

I know what you mean Aidan. He's always been there, tenacious Dog fighter. Loved a scrap. His race Craft is razor. Pissed a few people off. I like that. Lol nice 1 👍

@TheSnaveeelPlaysGames Жыл бұрын

One of the, if not the best motorsport channels on tube! Don’t let the fame get to ya, Aidan! 🎉

@Batters56 Жыл бұрын

My first thought was, “wait, was he still racing?” And then I just had to look up that epic drift and save at Brands Hatch first corner. Superb!

@crazycjk Жыл бұрын

That's also one of my most clear memories of his racing!!

@phur3i0n Жыл бұрын

I remember watching him at brands a few years ago as a early teenager, watching him jam a car where it doesn't belong and the crowd full on boo'ing him made me like him more!

@RazorSharp75426 Жыл бұрын

Do you think JP was the Dale Earnhardt of BTCC?

@Tminus89 Жыл бұрын

I am glad you chose this instead of something about the f1 race yesterday. Plenty of content makers will jump on it like a hungry lion, I've heard enough of it already and enjoyed this video about a great racing driver / presenter :)

@pete5534 9 ай бұрын

Jason Plato is just the type of character any level of racing needs.

@kevin_m Жыл бұрын

Nice vid. Will miss Plato and hope he’s involved with the BTCC somehow in the future.

@georgeclements2742 Жыл бұрын

I saw Jason Plato racing in karts in Northumberland when he was just a kid. He had the biggest support vehicle and backup of any of the drivers in the paddock, but he was certainly quick even then.

@Mrmayhembsc Жыл бұрын

I am happy with the BTCC content :) (Wish it give you more views so you could do more) . It does feel weird Matt neal and jason plato not being in BTCC anymore. However I do feel the series is in good hands with tingram, sutton and hill. Plus we still have turks etc...

@maseraticc2834 Жыл бұрын

Completely agree JP is a racing legend and the racing world will be lesser for him retiring. Great video!

@MichaelGloverMusic Жыл бұрын

These are the videos on this channel that i live for! This is a brilliant JP story that pretty much sums him up as a person in the mid 2000s i worked at oulton park with my dad marshalling, i was based in the paddock due to my age and as you can imagine i got to see the BTCC lot fairly often , JP was one of my favourite drivers at the time but my old man couldn't stand him. one fathers day it was the oulton round and i decided to try and get all the drivers signatures on my dad's card which amazingly they all did...plato knew who my dad was due to his reputation for telling them all straight and not giving a fuck how big of a name they were if they did something wrong in the pit lane & signed it "to tony, happy fathers day, love from your favourite driver, jason plato" 😂😂😂 my dad still has the card to this day too!

@jameswingrove7421 Жыл бұрын

He’s a legend of British motorsport. I don’t think he’s gonna be done with racing altogether. I’m thinking historics or maybe even appearances at LeMans and maybe the Spa 24.

@wibblewabblewoo6249 Жыл бұрын

Jason Plato is also a very nice guy. I know someone who Jason drove into whilst parking. The person in question jokingly took the piss, saying JP will blame their parked car for the crash, etc. JP was apparently a gentleman and was a total legend about the banter. I doubt many other top level drivers would be so cool about this!

@liamrey Жыл бұрын

well put together and said sir.

@docslappy8946 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing this. I'd missed this end of an era. ☹️

@PescaraProductions Жыл бұрын

Not bad for a former Formula Renault driver who's actual name is Tim and middle name is Lazarus! Still find Matt Neals disappearance even more strange as he just left with practically no warning whatsoever. 2 of the last BTCC Super Touring greats faded away in less than a glorious manner

@lastp6905 Жыл бұрын

Matt said he originally wasn’t meant to retire after 2020, just take a break for a year. Then he decided to hang up his helmet during 2021. He hasn’t disappeared either, he’s the team manager at Team Dynamics now, so he’s still very much involved with BTCC

@liambrennan2605 Жыл бұрын

I took my kids to Oulton a park for around Ten Years and Plato was our Driver to follow and cheer on.Sadly missed we liked the no nonsense old driver style

@typeoddnamehere2362 Жыл бұрын

One funny thing I remember hearing about him confronting Frank was that Plato said that he even took a briefcase with him just so that he would look the part - there was actually nothing in said briefcase.

@bensteward8937 Жыл бұрын

As I mentioned yesterday I love your btcc stuff

@moleyballin2270 Жыл бұрын

Pretty ashamed to say the first BTCC races I watched fully were yesterday, in the championship decider at Brands Hatch. Only recently have I started watching races outside of F1. But Plato seems like a legend even from first impression

@matthales9807 Жыл бұрын

No time like the present my friend 😊

@cowaylon1681 Жыл бұрын

I remember he partnered with Peter Brock at Bathurst in 2004 but crashed into John Cleland, another BTCC Bathurst regular, before Brock even got in the car, never to race again at Mount Panorama before he was killed in 2006. Brock and Plato were two of the best touring car drivers in history so it's a shame they didn't race together more. Sad to see him go, but at least he's still around.

@AidanMillward Жыл бұрын

Brock was only good at one race. I guess it depends on how you measure the title vs the mountain.

@cowaylon1681 Жыл бұрын

@@AidanMillward he did win atcc 3 times in the 70s and 80s, although the parity back then was a bit, well, different

@UPnDOWN Жыл бұрын

Defintely preferred to hear about Plato leaving that anything happening in the F1 show at the moment. BTCC is real motorsport.

@bortron8653 10 ай бұрын

Just gonna add a little Plato anecdote. I met him as a fan around the paddock a few times. The first time I got an autograph from him was in 2001 at Oulton Park, the same year Steve Soper returned to drive a Peugeot 406 Coupé. As my dad was a GP, our house was full of post-it pads with drug company logos or products on them. So when I asked for his autograph, that was the only paper my dad had with him. Plato saw whatever the drug name was, and said "That's for haemorrhoids, isn't it? Don't let Steve Soper see this, he'll wince!" He was always a lovely bloke to meet, and a legend on the track.

@tangerinedream7211 Жыл бұрын

That Late Brake show interview with Jason and Matt Neal is a must watch on KZfaq.

@mickcompagnoni1114 Жыл бұрын

Jason Plato became an unwelcome guest in 04 at Bathurst, "Useless Pommie bastard" was a commonly used term, because Brock let him start the race & therefore didn't even get a drive. John Cleland also had some colourful words to say on that day, as he was on the extreme left about to enter the pits when Plato put both cars out of the race.

@Renard998 Жыл бұрын

Fond memories of the Renault Laguna days. I remember being at Silverstone as a teenager and it was unusually cold for the time of year. The only spare jacket in the car was a winter Hi-vis jacket. There was a crowd around the back of the Renault pit hoping to see Plato but it had to be pushed back by security... Except they must have thought I was with them due to the jacket so left me alone. There I am, standing on my own, in the way, as Plato leaves the truck and heads for the car. I step aside, he smiles and pats me on the shoulder.........as a driver I looked up to, that meant the world to me.

@380Scania Жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved watching Jason always on the edge, sometimes controversial but wore his heart on his sleeve and was respected both on an off the track. Gonna miss you Jason

@minibus9 Жыл бұрын

awesome video about an awesome driver

@bjarulez Жыл бұрын

i had the pleasure of being at brands hatch this weekend, great weekend and some awsome racing, shame to see his career come to an end but what a career it was

@GaryWagers Жыл бұрын

Maybe it's just because I was spending a summer vacation watching Speed Channel all the time and they were playing nothing but the BTCC for whatever reason, but even this American has heard of Jason Plato. I was watching those races in the early 2000s. It's amazing he's been here this long. Well done to him, and best of luck in the future.

@connoredwards7000 Жыл бұрын

It's probably a testament to the anonymity of the BTCC when the only time i heard of the BTCC and Jason Plato is from top gear... Jeremy: Fifth gear news hmmm you know we revealed last week that they burned our furniture, well it turned out this week one of their presenters caught fire.. Jason potato Hammond: Plato Jeremy: Well actually baked potato now! James and Richard: Woooow... Jeremy: Well it was a big accident he was quite badly injured actually burnt his hands and his face but, thank you, god...

@neblolthecarnerd Жыл бұрын

My dad was a Plato fan so naturally I became one. I loved the Tesco mg he had at the start of the ngtc era even though I had no clue what it was.

@sunsetgarage755 Жыл бұрын

The Jason Plato story would be a very entertaining movie if it stayed with all the facts & didn’t over dramatise & embellish. It is an unbelievable tale of a young cocky kid who wouldn’t take no for answer, and had the racing chops to prove himself against the best touring car drivers at the time, in an era where they were probably some of the best drivers for any formula in the World. Fair play to the guy, he is both a great racing driver and an entertaining presenter. How he can polarise so many people has got me stumped? Everyone drives/drove aggressively in super tourers, and nobody can say they’re never punted people off the track. It’s part of what made these cars so exciting back then, and it is something now lost in the current formula. Jason Plato is a legend.

@stuartbrewer1207 Жыл бұрын

The last of my childhood racing hero’s has finally calmed time.😢 I remember seeing him racing in the Renault Spyder series, which was a support race for the TOCA package at the time and practically dominating that, Before landing the BTCC gig. Despite a long illustrious career, it’s a shame how the BMR Levorg thing didn’t turn out quite how he wanted it. His rivalry with Muller was epic, I & a group of friends had SEAT hospitality at one of the WTCC races at Brands hatch, when both Muller and Plato were employed by the same manufacturer in the respective series, and we were treated with hot laps round the Indy circuit in a road going car by one of the WTCC pilots (I got Muller - mentioned I was a massive Plato fan diving into paddock) whilst we were queuing up in the pits, Plato was hanging around, mingling with the Guests. He was asked jokingly if Muller and he were friends now? He half smiled then promptly rolled off an anecdote of him almost being run over in the car park and he jokingly diving out the way😂

@user-qq2mo1ek2r Жыл бұрын

A proper racer, took everything to the max on and off the track.

@geekscoments Жыл бұрын

Paul RadisIch career in V8 Supercars was post his BTCC career... Radisih joined V8 Supercars full time in 1999 His BTCC career started in 1993 the same year Australia moved from Group A to what we know call supercars. He raced in 1993 in Australia at Bathurst for DJR and was a Co Driver in Bathurst under the Group A rules for teams. Including DJR and Tony Longhurst

@markcraggs6471 Жыл бұрын

Started watching BTCC back in 2004, JP was the driver I gravitated to, loved the Seats and the prime Plato v Neal era. Proper touring car driver, fast on his own, elbows out when he needed to. Had the pleasure of meeting him in the paddock and during autograph sessions, he’s just a massive personality. The championship won’t be the same without him!

@stuartholding6067 Жыл бұрын

I knew Jason back in his early days as a lowly instructor at Silverstone and remember hearing that story of his buttonholing Sir Frank. Even back then Jason had easily the best car control out of what was a very talented bunch of instructors, many of whom went on to racing fame and fortune so it's not surprising he achieved what he did. More than that though Jason had (and no doubt still has) a rare combination of both presence and self belief, so if anyone was going to make it it would be him. I have absolutely no doubt that whatever he moves on to he'll be world class at it.

@StewDalgleish Жыл бұрын

Hi Aidan, I met Jason at Bathurst 1987, when it was part of the WTCC (for one year only). I am a Bathurst tragic and a Williams tragic, so I went there for the whole week, for the first time by my self, just to see how these European top guns handled the Mountain first go. The first practice session was held on the Wednesday morning on a wet/drying track, sure enough the Eggenberger Sierras came blasting out over the top of the mountain flat chat, only to have the session red flagged after 30 seconds, due to Bathurst regular, Bill O'Brien sticking his Commodore into the wall on skyline (right in front of me). After the session I went down to the pits, to find a pro photographer taking a group shot of all great race participants, which I purchased a copy of, so now my mission was to get the photo signed by all drivers. Anyhoo to cut the story short, I caught up with Jason after he hopped out of the car at the end of practice, I proceeded to get him to sign my group pic to which he said to me " hey mate, where's all the fucking Sheila's" 🤣Anyway Jason qualified the Williams in the top ten, but Williams team mate Alan Jones stuffed it in to the wall at the cutting in the shootout and that was the end of that.

@shawnmungur4875 Жыл бұрын

Being from the US, many of us didn't really know BTCC, but even I know who Jason Plato and his scraps with Matt!

@Quattro_Joe Жыл бұрын

Plato’s book is a cracker. Got it on audiobook. Well worth a listen

@ianwynne764 Жыл бұрын

Hello Aidan: It sounds like Jason would have been right at home at Bathurst. Stay safe and well.

@insertgenericusernamehere2402 Жыл бұрын

Happy retirement Jason, great driver, funny presenter and always will never forget when he squared up to matt neal. Such a solid driver. Will be interesting to see what he does in the future. Be it his own team (although I highly doubt it cause of his comment on the politics of the sport) for whatever reason I can't see him sat around doing nothing for a while now.

@MaseOTron Жыл бұрын

Plato - what a legend of btcc. I remember being a kid a seeing this, used to also see them at Snetterton...oh the days :)

@Ellplate Жыл бұрын

A legend. Constantly booed at Thruxton (my local track) but my dad and I love him. Can remember him being very vocal about the Hondas and Gow over the boost regulations the year after he won the title in the Cruze, on the Chevrolet stand. Poor girl running it had no idea how to handle him everyone was in stitches. But that’s what made him so awesome, he just wanted to win

@stuartmiller7419 Жыл бұрын

Proper racer. No BS taken, but a nice guy when you met him. From the days when it was all about racing and entertainment.

@roadmantop3769 Жыл бұрын

I love the Idol chat on the late brake show, when JP is trying to acuse Matt Neal of being on the "spectrum" i'll always love him - end of an era !

@Bartman954 Жыл бұрын

With 2004 Bathurst, Jason ran wide at the last corner and wiped the wall. He was going fairly slowly because of the damage, coming out of The Chase, he was pretty much on the driving line where John Cleland in the Brad Jones Racing Ozemail Falcon unsighted rammed #05 in the rear where the falcon rolled onto the roof. (Was the first Bathurst I ever went to)

@christapp3244 Жыл бұрын

Just as you said, the last of my childhood drivers, he will be sorely missed

@MTC_1986 Жыл бұрын

great driver , great car-man.

@AndyFromBeaverton Жыл бұрын

There was a year in the BTTC in the 90s when 10 manufacturers were competing. It was really exciting to see all the different companies competing. But it really got good during the years of Menu, Muller, and Plato. 9:11 Yes it was like the WWF with these guys racing elbows out. When there were no longer these strong personalities, I too found other racing to be entertained by. We all love great driving, but there's something so captivating about having someone like Mad Max or the Red Baron backing up their words with some of the best driving we have ever seen.

@AidanMillward Жыл бұрын

The racing is still entertaining, the issue is you’ve got Ash Sutton who is good but not quite a character. You’ve got Ingram who is a character but too much of a nice guy, and Turk who is successful but a bit boring for some.

@AndyFromBeaverton Жыл бұрын

@@AidanMillward “Every story needs a villain, but the best villains are the ones you secretly like.” ― Stephanie Garber

@Ellplate Жыл бұрын

@@AidanMillward I think the other problem with BTCC this year (idea for a vid) is the hybrid deployment with no weight penalties (like previous years) would love to know the stats of how many drivers have won race 1 and then race 2 compared to previous years because it seems to happen more regularly at the moment

@glenbooth7903 Жыл бұрын

I thought JP, had died when I saw the title. Growing he was my favourite BTCC driving prpper old school, it so exiting to watc. Today's BTCC good but not even close to back then.

@stephenrichards5386 Жыл бұрын

I didn't realise Jason had retired although, having followed him for years, I knew time was close

@heliumtrophy Жыл бұрын

He definitely fit the Sir Frank mould of driver - punchy, aggressive driver - and no doubt, Frank got that impression after the sheer bloody mindedness of JP wanting "just 5 minutes." I have to admit I wasn't quite enamoured with BTCC, it all seemed a bit too "down the pub" atmosphere to me as a kid. Still, I didn't mind seeing him in Fifth Gear if I ever caught it on TV.

@lespaz1197 Жыл бұрын

nice to see somthing from btcc

@Eagleracer38x Жыл бұрын

Menu and Plato are legends in racing internationally. Everyone knows them even if they only drove Saloons mostly.

@peterwalker6020 Жыл бұрын

I have had the pleasure of meeting Jason on a few occasions during my time as a Marshal. He was always polite and a great person. On the track, a true racer, who I'm sure would have had much more success if the cars he drove had performed as well as he did. A great driver, I wish him a long and successful retirement, but I think he'll not be too far away from the sport for long.

@jacekatalakis8316 Жыл бұрын

Didn't JP also do the Super Touring Bathurst race in 97 or 98 too when Bathurst got two races and the fans hated the Super Tourers, the time the Aussie motorsports scene split for a few years? Not sure if that's an interesting video idea, it's always intrigued me that Aussie motorsport split down the middle.

@darrenattenborough9848 Жыл бұрын

followed jason since 2004 as i just bought my first Seat.Met him many times including just after he got burnt hands from the 5th gear episode.Legend and yeah he will be missed as you say he was the pantomime villain the race you mentioned at rockingham where matt said he was going to tear his fu**ing face off brilliant he made the racing so much more enjoyable

@mikehipperson Жыл бұрын

I've watched him since he was in the Renault Sport championship and loved every minute putting it to everyone. It's a shame that he never got that 100th BTCC win to crown it all off! His relationship with Matt Niel reminds me of the rivalry between the late Gerry Marshall and Norman Abbot, no quarter given, no quarter asked. Just balls out racing that the public loved!

@spudgun1978 Жыл бұрын

I remember Jason, he was the Big Bad over the years. Good fun.

@Cynon Жыл бұрын

A racing legend? I don't get many good opportunities to follow the BTCC here in the states but he absolutely is a legend. Both for his abilities and antics.

@Zipa7 Жыл бұрын

I remember JPs first race with Williams in 97, he pulled off a great feat and out qualified Alan Menu, his teammate. Even Alan couldn't believe it.

@Midtable1881 Жыл бұрын

Plato is BTCC! A legend, champion and maverick who’ll take his leave leaving the championship in a good place going forward.

@16jan1986 Жыл бұрын

I can remember adjusting my parents antenna amplifier as a boy to be able to watch btcc on swedish tv4 in the volvo days... oh the memories

@edwardburek1717 Жыл бұрын

I freely admit that I was firmly in the Matt Neal camp during Plato's boo-hiss pomp, but I also freely admit that he was - and remains - a brilliant driver. He was definitely a man that did things his own way, even if it meant serving a night at the pleasure of the Monaco police as part of his apprenticeship. I do hope that he can serve some capacity for ITV's BTCC coverage. Perhaps they could entice Matt Neal from Eurosport's enforced drudgery that is the WTCR, and partner him up with Jason. What a double act that would be.

@johnedwards3198 Жыл бұрын

Would be nice to look into the business man that he is/was. Getting a seat in BTCC like F1 requires bit financial backing and sponsors and he never seemed short of those as well as big factory teams

@robin_marriott Жыл бұрын

Everyone has a best before date and he’s realised that his is here, he could hang around at the back for a few more years doing what countless drivers have done in the past but this way, he leaves on a (relative) high. It’s a shame but it’s also good that a decent seat at a decent team becomes available for someone new. The new crowd are awesome, there’s some proper talent there and there might not be the pantomime villain anymore but there’s still some great characters on the grid. One final point about JP - after Supertouring died, it almost took the series with it. The early 2000s weren’t great and it wasn’t until about 2011 that it s get started to pick back up. JP stuck with it. He brought big name sponsors (Tesco, for example) to a series which wasn’t *that* big anymore and with it, he mentored people like Tom Ingram, Sam Tordoff, Dan Lloyd… That on its own makes him worthy of the legend status IMO. I’ll miss him, but it’s onwards and upwards at the same time!

@mandude83 Жыл бұрын

As with many people around the age of 40 now I got into the BTCC through Toca on the Psone (seriously why have they yet to bring that series back?!) So with Jason at the time being the golden boy driving that lush green Laguna naturally he was the one I began to follow as a kid. But the last few years have been pretty brutal to watch in all honesty. This year looked promising joining BTC Racing, but for various reasons it still didn't pan out. If he does come back fair play on him, we would all love to see that happen. If not, he doesn't have anything else to prove at this point and happy retirement!

@TanBull233 Жыл бұрын

Gotta mention the joke that Jeremy Clarkson made on him caught fire😂 classic and still makes me giggle after good 10 years

@Everything_Lincolnshire Жыл бұрын

man end of the true legends of days gone by

@antonpeterson1245 Жыл бұрын

Was definitely a Team Plato fan in the early 00s. Always wished he had that 3rd title just to be on terms with Matt Neal. His personal will indeed be missed.

@lastp6905 Жыл бұрын

The 2015 title should have absolutely gone to Plato. But then again, you could probably say the same about 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014 etc.

@joshuachandra6677 Жыл бұрын

Jason Plato once explained how a person needs to break in a 911 this advice has helped me immensely for Sim racing

@shoemoccasin Жыл бұрын

Late Brake show has good interview with Plato.

@deanothemanc5281 Жыл бұрын

Great driver was Jason. Tbh if he wasn't so balls to the wall, I reckon he could and would have won more championships. BTCC legend 🙌 👏

@dazzla84_ssfc Жыл бұрын

If im honest, I was never a Plato fan, growing up, I was more of a follower of John Cleland but more-so Alain Menu But its hard to ignore Jason’s achievements and what he brings to the grid. Hes like how John Watson described Nigel Mansell when he had that mega drive at Donington in 98, “He’s not omly a great race car driver, hes a great showman” Aidan’s right, the BTCC has IMO lost its last box office driver. I can definitely thougfh see him have a new career in ITV’s coverage of the championship. Him alongside the likes of Paul O’Neill and Tim Harvey offering analysis would be fantastic

@mclarenjohnf1 Жыл бұрын

I have enjoyed seeing Plato over the years and thought he was perfect in Fifth Gear doing the challenges with Tiff Needell,

@jarma76 Жыл бұрын

That Frank Williams-story was truly hilarious, heard it on Jason's autobiography read by the man himself. He was also stuck with his a**e facing Sir Frank in the tiny private lift when they went up to Frank's office. 😅

@bjs7442 Жыл бұрын

I have always taken an interest in Jason , He brought excitement to the races . Clearly a driver of great ability but his gung ho driving brought o a smile to my face. I know this may be a peculiar analogy but I am of an age to remember the late Gerry Marshall another driver who set saloon car racing alight. Some good you tube vids of him. I hope Jason stays involved in some capacity.