How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver

By: Jason Plato

Narrated by: Jason Plato

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

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:

• Almost kill Bernie Ecclestone
• Give Prince Charles the finger on the M42
• Choose fags and booze over the gym
• Steal a JCB in Monaco and end up in prison there - twice
• Make enemies with a 6' 6" rival who is a black belt in everything.

Since joining the Williams Touring Car team in 1997 it's no coincidence that 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 it's also no coincidence that he once spent several days in prison in Monaco for stealing a JCB. He's a rule breaker who has had more than his fair share of near-death experiences, drunken escapades and more. Yet he's still racing.

There is nothing sensible, predictable or considered about Jason, but this is how he became a racing legend.

©2019 Jason Plato (P)2019 Penguin Audio

If you love racing and a good laugh

Admittedly, I did not know who Jason Plato was before downloading this book. I've never seen an episode of Fifth Gear and the British Touring Car series doesn't get any coverage stateside. I was headed to the Rolex 24 race in Daytona and wanted to get myself in the racing mood, so to speak. The reviews (which turned out to be true) pushed me over the edge.

This audiobook is delightfully entertaining. Jason's delivery is spot on, and he knows how to keep his audience engaged throughout. From party tricks with Michael Schumacher to run-ins with the Monaco police, there are many memorable stories that had me rolling on the floor laughing. 5/5 and don't tell me otherwise.

Hilarious with great inside stories!

I’ve listened to this book 3-4 times now. His recounting of all the ups and downs of his career and personal background are entertaining and insightful. I currently race internationally for a small team and can relate to his struggles. Fun listen!

Wish it was longer

I'm already a racing fan. Knew the name but don't get to see JP here in the states much (damn TV). Loved the stories! And I also feel I know more British "slang" (no, it's not a foreign language JP is speaking) and general words. I came away from this book wanting more JP.

The funniest book about racing out there.

I had a lot of laughs listening to it, especially since it’s read by JP himself. Plato is an absolute legend on and, as I just learned, off track as well. What a trooper of a driver, drinker, and story teller. I was a big fan of him as a driver before, now I am just a fan of him. Legend.

Love it!!

Thoroughly enjoyed every single word.
Love the content
Love the detailed story.
Have been a huge fan for years so the behind the scenes explanations are very inviting and provide clarity and context.
And I love the accent and the language used.
Thank you

worth the listen for sure!

Love this book and even better being read my Plato himself! For anyone into racing this is a must

excellent story, from the beginning to the end

absolutely great stuff, excellent story, have since listened to it three times so far...what a life , cheers mate..💯🇬🇧😁

Brilliant!

Loved every minute of it. Not a savory character all steps of the way but a pretty honest and funny story about raw talent, grit, and incredible lasting career and a VERY smart business man. I loved it

Narration Good; Overall Bad

Overall the story revolves around Plato and his life versus the actual driving and racing. As the book moves forward with his personal storyline, it becomes more arrogant and eventually borderline cocky. Plato's narration truly snuggles and complements the overall theme of the book. From a voice actor's perspective, very good work.

Other books which share the genre with "How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver" such as "When You Dead, You Dead" and "The Mechanic" include some form of technical information and insight in the world of professional racing. The reader will be hard pressed to find any such material in this book.

If you are interested in a telenovela-like story about a progressively more narcissistic driver, then this book is worth a shot.

If what you are after is a proper techincal, logistical and corporate insight of the world of professional racing, there is nothing here.