Plato: I won't even go for a pint...
Jason Plato has admitted that he is so focused on securing a second Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship that he will resist the urge to go and meet friends for quick pint while back in his native North East next week.
The Newcastle-born SEAT ace currently leads the championship heading to Croft for the fourth round of the season and has already won four times this year as he seeks to secure the title for the first time since 2001.
Jason Plato has admitted that he is so focused on securing a second Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship that he will resist the urge to go and meet friends for quick pint while back in his native North East next week.
The Newcastle-born SEAT ace currently leads the championship heading to Croft for the fourth round of the season and has already won four times this year as he seeks to secure the title for the first time since 2001.
In the past, the 39-year-old admits he would have taken the opportunity to meet up with some friend ahead of the race weekend but this time around he says he will leave the alcohol for the post race celebrations he hopes will occur once the latest three races have taken place.
"The night life in Newcastle is phenomenal and maybe if I was staying in town on the Wednesday night I'd meet up with a few pals for a quick jar," he reflected. "These days though I keep my mind completely clear, even if the race weekend doesn't start until three days later.
"Sadly, I'm not in my early 20s any more and you start finding that the effects can last with you for more than a day. Maybe on the Sunday night if we've had a win or two, but not in the week..."
Should Plato win on home soil for the fifth time next weekend, he would move into second place alone on the all-time list of BTCC winners' - although still well behind the 60 wins enjoyed by multiple champion Andy Rouse.
Plato currently shares second on 36 wins with former Renault team-mate Alain Menu and his arch nemesis Yvan Muller, and he admitted he would to secure the 37th BTCC win on home soil.
"I'm very passionate about the North-East and miss it dearly," he said. "I love racing at Croft. It's a great track, the people are fantastic. We get a tremendous welcome whenever we go back up there.
"They're a different lot up north. They don't get their fair share of motor sport so when there is a big meeting they all turn out and have a fantastic day. It's always one of the events I look forward to the most on the calendar."
