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How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver
'HILARIOUS AND OUTRAGEOUS' CHRIS EVANS
'PURE ENTERTAINMENT . . . SO MUCH FUN' GUARDIAN BOOKS OF THE YEAR
THE FULL-THROTTLE MEMOIR FROM ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHARACTERS IN UK MOTOR RACING
Two-time championship-winning and record-breaking racing driver, Jason Plato is a living, breathing example of what you shouldn't do if you want to become a professional racing driver:
DO NOT:
· Steal a JCB in Monaco and end up in prison there - twice
· Kill Bernie Ecclestone (almost)
· Choose fags and booze over the gym
· Give Prince Charles the finger on the M42
· Make enemies with a 6ft 6" rival who is a black belt in everything
Since joining the Williams Touring Car team in 1997 he has had more race wins than Lewis Hamilton and Stirling Moss, competed in more races than Jenson Button and set the largest number of fastest laps ever.
But he's also a rule breaker who has had more than his fair share of near-death experiences, drunken escapades and more.
And yet he's still racing.
There is nothing sensible, predictable or considered about Jason, but this is how he became a racing legend.
'As entertaining as watching him drive, a cracking read!' Sir Chris Hoy
'Jason Plato is one of the most gifted racing drivers of his generation!' Damon Hill
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2019
31 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 22, 2019
This for me was a must read and another one in the line of motorsport autobiographies I want to read. And I can say that it didn’t disappoint, with some cracking stories along the way, however much I may hate how he drives sometimes.
I have to say when I started reading it, it sounded like he was going to be very arrogant and cocky. Although when I got into the real meat of the book, he opened up and there was some fascinating stories about some of the people he’s met and some of his epic nights out... I learned a lot about the state of affairs of touring cars in the early/late 90’s and his encounters with the legendary Frank Williams.
At the end of the book however I was almost laughing at his analysis of some of his battles with Matt Neal. And to some point it seemed delusional and was almost laughable to read, especially if you go to YouTube and type “Plato vs Neal Snetterton� (can’t quite remembering which year). But look at the video and tell me Plato isn’t at fault. Or if you then look at their ‘almost� fight at Rockingham.
Anyway, even with that I’ve given it 5 stars. As even tho as much as he can be an a*se on track. He has also had some really good races. And 8 yr old me watching Plato at Knockhill in the Seat Cupra 😍 just had to read this!
I have to say when I started reading it, it sounded like he was going to be very arrogant and cocky. Although when I got into the real meat of the book, he opened up and there was some fascinating stories about some of the people he’s met and some of his epic nights out... I learned a lot about the state of affairs of touring cars in the early/late 90’s and his encounters with the legendary Frank Williams.
At the end of the book however I was almost laughing at his analysis of some of his battles with Matt Neal. And to some point it seemed delusional and was almost laughable to read, especially if you go to YouTube and type “Plato vs Neal Snetterton� (can’t quite remembering which year). But look at the video and tell me Plato isn’t at fault. Or if you then look at their ‘almost� fight at Rockingham.
Anyway, even with that I’ve given it 5 stars. As even tho as much as he can be an a*se on track. He has also had some really good races. And 8 yr old me watching Plato at Knockhill in the Seat Cupra 😍 just had to read this!
May 24, 2020
Slightly disappointed with Jason's book.
There's not enough about his motor racing career and too many stories about drinking, parties and mishaps.
I guess he's trying to paint himself as the 'clown prince' of motorsport or aiming for the "Top Gear" type market.
A shame really I would've been far more interested with his career on the track.
Bland and forgettable.
There's not enough about his motor racing career and too many stories about drinking, parties and mishaps.
I guess he's trying to paint himself as the 'clown prince' of motorsport or aiming for the "Top Gear" type market.
A shame really I would've been far more interested with his career on the track.
Bland and forgettable.
February 28, 2020
Having been a Jason fan for as long as I can remember I was excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s typical Jason, hilarious very sweary and full of tales that are no real surprise he was involved in. A great insight to the man inside the race helmet.
December 28, 2021
Must-read for any petrolhead. Jason's direct style is brilliant, i spent the whole time giggling while readt it.
December 16, 2020
I nearly gave up on this during the first couple of chapters. His persona as the naughty boy can become a bit tiresome. Once you get to the racing stories, it's more interesting, I found.
My abiding memory is that he lived in Monaco for a while, was interested in partying, and tends to be quite boastful. Having said that, I did read it to the end.
Quite an easy read if you can get past his healthily developed ego
I posted this and it says I read it twice, for some reason. Once was fine!
My abiding memory is that he lived in Monaco for a while, was interested in partying, and tends to be quite boastful. Having said that, I did read it to the end.
Quite an easy read if you can get past his healthily developed ego
I posted this and it says I read it twice, for some reason. Once was fine!
February 6, 2020
Love him or hate him you have to admit he 8s part of the fabric that makes up BTCC - he is my mother in laws favourite 🤣 Not an awful lot about BTCC but about how his career started. Like many drivers he has done a lot more than you realise. Some crazy stories told in true Plato style. Pleased to get myself a signed copy for Christmas. The grid wouldn't be the same without him - just wish the start of the new season would huryy up.
July 18, 2020
A quick read that became a little repetitive in style and so i got a little jaded with reading it. It tells the story of a controversial man whose racing i have enjoyed in the BTTC over the yrs and so this is where my interest in reading about him came from. He would probably admit to the fact that he is full of himself and this shows in his stories, but this is part of his charm if you can get past the naughty schoolboy angle.
February 13, 2025
This was as funny as hell. And it proves that there are still some characters left in Motorsport.
JP proves that he is as good at writing, as he at driving - the anecdotes were funny and the insights into the struggles to get on the motorsport ladder accurate.
JP proves that he is as good at writing, as he at driving - the anecdotes were funny and the insights into the struggles to get on the motorsport ladder accurate.
December 8, 2024
I used to watch BTCC for quite a few years when Jason Plato was the man to beat (or at least one of the men to beat). He just loved playing the villain, even though he not always was. Can't say I'm his biggest fan, but can't state that I am NOT a fan! :)
I had high expectations for the book as I was looking forward to get more of the behind the scenes anecdotes and have a laugh. It started well enough, but at the end I was disappointed by the too many drunk stories and too little racing ones. I suppose Jason wanted to present himself a a go-easy chill guy, which is contradicting quite a lot with the resilience shown in some of the great stories, related to motor racing. For example, ambushing Frank Williams as he didn't take "no" for an answer for a driving seat!
Overall, a very quick read but I could easily swap a "... and that's how I ended in jail" story with a racing one!
I had high expectations for the book as I was looking forward to get more of the behind the scenes anecdotes and have a laugh. It started well enough, but at the end I was disappointed by the too many drunk stories and too little racing ones. I suppose Jason wanted to present himself a a go-easy chill guy, which is contradicting quite a lot with the resilience shown in some of the great stories, related to motor racing. For example, ambushing Frank Williams as he didn't take "no" for an answer for a driving seat!
Overall, a very quick read but I could easily swap a "... and that's how I ended in jail" story with a racing one!
August 29, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"Boy, did we have some fun."
Read by the author, With enthusiasm.
What really came through to this reader is don't let your child even think about being a racing driver unless they have a fantastically huge ego, eternal Peter Pan foolishness and love of unsavoury pranks combined with the copious consumption of alcohol. Plus a multi million pound/ dollar's back up to sustain their hobby until they become rich and famous themselves.
Not much about actual racing here though, understandably, a fair amount of name dropping. The constant school kid jokiness soon became wearing. Despite this, an easy read if taken in small bites.
"Boy, did we have some fun."
Read by the author, With enthusiasm.
What really came through to this reader is don't let your child even think about being a racing driver unless they have a fantastically huge ego, eternal Peter Pan foolishness and love of unsavoury pranks combined with the copious consumption of alcohol. Plus a multi million pound/ dollar's back up to sustain their hobby until they become rich and famous themselves.
Not much about actual racing here though, understandably, a fair amount of name dropping. The constant school kid jokiness soon became wearing. Despite this, an easy read if taken in small bites.
January 24, 2020
I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, because I know absolutely nothing about professional racing. Fortunately, this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book because it is basically a collection of tales of a man making questionable decisions and getting himself into all sorts of ridiculous situations with a few stories about the racing thrown in. To me this was a perfect combination because I got to learn a bit about a sport I knew nothing about and I got to laugh and enjoy myself throughout.
January 5, 2022
Very good but could be better
I have always had a soft spot for motorsport bad boys and the Jason Plato autobiography was in my list for a long time. The book is as brilliant as the driver and his long career and makes for a light and interesting read. I would have personally preferred fewer, more selected stories about his off track antics. Sometimes it’s a bit of an overkill. A few more racing stories would have been better. Also, the recent downturn in Plato’s career is barely discussed at the end of the book and surely could have interesting stories.
I have always had a soft spot for motorsport bad boys and the Jason Plato autobiography was in my list for a long time. The book is as brilliant as the driver and his long career and makes for a light and interesting read. I would have personally preferred fewer, more selected stories about his off track antics. Sometimes it’s a bit of an overkill. A few more racing stories would have been better. Also, the recent downturn in Plato’s career is barely discussed at the end of the book and surely could have interesting stories.
December 12, 2023
I knew Jason Plato as "that guy who drives on Fifth Gear," and figured "well, I've enjoyed Clarkson's, Hammond's, May's, Richard Porter's books, I may as well give Plato's a whirl-" I had no idea just how much it would captivate and entertain me. Plato is an out and out rock star, and a proper legend in the racing world. He sounds like a hysterical guy to have a drink with, and someone you absolutely would have the fight of your life with on the race track. Very glad I picked this up on a whim, it was superlative
May 28, 2020
Jason Plato is a bit of a c**k, he’d probably be the first to admit it. For all that, there is something ineffably likeable about the bloke. This is NOT a ‘serious� autobiographical account of his achievements on the track - but an anecdotal look at his life in and out of motorsport with some genuinely funny stories.
April 20, 2021
Jason has written a book about himself, as opposed to focusing totally on his motor racing exploits. This is no bad thing from whatever camp youre in. Obviously there is a major slice of motor sport. Also lots of laughs .
I read this book because ounce upon a time I was on the same piece of tarmac as Jason in his Kart racing days. He's the only person ive shared track with in karting that made a fully successful career of driving competitively. As youve guessed I like that about him and as hes a bloody good driver. So I guess I'm biased but I loved it.
I read this book because ounce upon a time I was on the same piece of tarmac as Jason in his Kart racing days. He's the only person ive shared track with in karting that made a fully successful career of driving competitively. As youve guessed I like that about him and as hes a bloody good driver. So I guess I'm biased but I loved it.
June 15, 2022
Viegla, izklaidējoša, autobiogrāfiska lasāmviela. Britu humors, daudz alkohola un lamuvārdu. Sniedz priekšstatu par to, kā lietas notika profesionālajā autosportā deviņdesmitajos un mūsdienās. Šādi tādi interesanti fakti no Top gear un Fifth gear vēstures, leģendāru sportistu ballīšu triki. Un kopumā var saprast cik ļoti top līmeņa sportisti atšķiras no vairuma cilvēku.
October 2, 2024
An interesting read that occasionally borders on the problematic. At some points sadly rather poorly proofread (one example being repeated usage of MClaren rather than McLaren), which rather lets it down. Otherwise a good read, and as someone interested in the BTCC and JP's career I can recommend that it is still enjoyable.
April 2, 2020
JP you are a legend. Epic career and epic tales. Seen you race many times but my best memory? You asking my mate and I just to wait a second for your autograph whilst you watched an attractive woman walk by. Class!
March 28, 2021
Plato is truly bonkers, which makes for an awesome tale! I did know of him, having watched the TV programme a couple of times and him being mentioned within the racing community. I haven't been able to watch the BTCC though, wrong country. The details are fascinating for me, a big racing fan.
May 21, 2023
An enjoyable insight into the world of professional racing driving. Plato writes in a conversational style, and comes across as a likeable rogue. He tells some good stories, (the Alan Macrae one is very funny).
November 15, 2019
Best book ever, Jason Plato is one mad person. If you want to read get a book for Christmas for someone or yourself this is a must read. Best book this year
December 31, 2019
A very easy read. Really funny with insights to the behind-the-scenes of the racing world.
January 17, 2020
one of the best drivers autobiography ive ever read
March 8, 2020
A fun easy to read enjoyable book - highly recommend!!!
April 11, 2020
A little too much British motorsport insider for North American fans, I think. A couple of enjoyable chapters and utterly hilarious moments, otherwise.
July 19, 2020
This is an entertaining, quick but unmemorable read.
Can't think of much more to say about it!
Can't think of much more to say about it!
January 2, 2021
Easy to read with lots of interesting anecdotes. Great if you already know the BTCC paddock or other UK series well.
February 25, 2021
Really really really enjoyed this book BRILLIANT
July 1, 2021
This is such a great read, it is as thou Jason himself is sat saying this all to me in person. I would recommend it to anyone who loves motorsport.
February 2, 2022
Nice entertaining and funny read, peppered with some good bits of life advice. A few too many "lads" type tales which got a bit repetitive, would have been interested in more of the racing side.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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