How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver

By: Jason Plato

Narrated by: Jason Plato

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 6ft 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.

Critic reviews

Pure entertainment . . . So much fun . . . His journey from outrageous teenage hijinks to the rough-and-tumble of driver feuding tends to prompt involuntary reading noises, be they barks of laughter or gasps at his audacity

Hilarious and outrageous

As entertaining as watching him drive, a cracking read!

I read this in the hope that it would teach me everything I need to know so that one day I can become a racing driver although I think I may have left it too late...

Top class chauffeur, sublime broadcaster, ultimate party honey badger. These are the qualities I know and adore about JP. He taught me how to nail a hot lap around Rockingham and I've been in a speed jive ever since. Jason can burn the candle at both ends and in the middle yet still deliver the business.

Jason Plato is one of the most gifted racing drivers of his generation!

Jason is a total fruitcake!

Irreverent

Plato is adept at telling a story. Totally authentic. There's plenty of laughs to be had and insight on offer

It makes for one of the great sporting life stories . . . Forget everything you thought about sports stars and any expectations of sports autobiographies. Plato is truly an unconventional sportsman, and this is truly an unconventional autobiography, but it is all the better for being so

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.

if you like racing, this is pure entertainment

all the stories of a guy who did things how he wanted to do them written and read by said guy... it don't get much better. if you like motorsport from any era you should find this enjoyable.

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.