The 2004 Green Flag BTCC series reached its conclusion in September with a fierce battle between the main contenders for the title. At the top of the drivers' table, just a few points separated Vauxhall team-mates Yvan Muller and James Thompson. Behind, and closing fast, were Anthony Reid in the MG and SEAT's Jason Plato, who remained an outside bet for the title and had taken more race wins than any other driver so far that season. Ahead of the last race event of the season at Donington Park on the weekend of September 25/26 we were joined by Jason Plato. With the championship title on a knife-edge, he told us what winning means to him, what he thinks of the competition and his hopes and fears as he went into the grand finale of the season.

	Mark wants to know: "What has been your best memory of the 2004 BTCC season?
Jason Plato said:	The first win at Thruxton.
	Will wants to know: "Formula one gets a lot of stick for being boring, but BTCC is always exciting and good to watch, especially in person. Do you think that F1 has lost its excitement?"
Jason Plato said:	Without a doubt everyone knows what the outcome will be. The drivers are unapproachable and not in touch with the real world. Green Flag BTCC is everything but that!
	Joanne wants to know: "Will you be going all out to win the championship at Donnington, or do you think you are too far behind? "
Jason Plato said:	Too far behind, third is the target!
	Cat Milton wants to know: "Who would you rather see win the championship at Donnington? Who do you think most deserves it?"
Jason Plato said:	Thompson, no one wants the frog to win!
	Will wants to know: "Jason you have won a lot of races in your time, but does it still feel as good as the first?"
Jason Plato said:	Yes! Every win is as good as the first!
	Joanne wants to know: "We saw you at Croft this year and I know you consider that your home track, but which one is your favourite?"
Jason Plato said:	In the UK, Thruxton! In Europe, Spa. In the world, Bathurst.
	James wants to know: "Do you have any pre-race ritual or superstitions? If so what are they?"
Jason Plato said:	I don't actually! I honestly don't have any superstitions.
	Jules wants to know: "Do you like other motor sports like Moto Racing or rallying? And would you ever consider giving them a go?"
Jason Plato said:	Love to have a go at rallying, but happy to watch bikes from a distance.
	Marksman wants to know: "Jason. When watching you race at Knockhill I noticed u flashing your headlights as u headed up the start/stop line. Why?"
Jason Plato said:	I heard a rumour that Muller suffers from a condition called epilepsy!
	John wants to know: "Can you win the championship next year "
Jason Plato said:	I hope so!
	Mark wants to know: "Do you think you'll ever have a go at ice racing? And beat Yvan :)"
Jason Plato said:	Not interested!
	Tristan wants to know: "Are the BTCC cars road legal? I want one!"
Jason Plato said:	I am afraid not Tristan! How much money have you got?
	Will wants to know: "Do you get time off after the end of the season on the 26th or will you continue to develop the team and car?"
Jason Plato said:	I am off to Australia to race at Bathurst in early October. Then it's back to Europe for testing in readiness for next year.
	Simon wants to know: "Have you enjoyed your experiences driving the V8 Supercars in Australia? "
Jason Plato said:	Yeah! I love those cars, no grip and 700 horsepower is a great combination.
	Paddy wants to know: "Do you still like driving on the road or after the thrill of racing is it a bit of a drag?"
Jason Plato said:	A bit of a drag!
	Sammy j wants to know: "What car do you drive off the racetrack?"
Jason Plato said:	A SEAT Leon Cupra R of course!
	Mikey wants to know: "What's the best part of being a being a racing driver?"
Jason Plato said:	Earning a living from doing what everyone dreams of doing! Girls excluded!
	Kate wants to know: "Do you think the masters race would have been ever better if Jimmy and Yvan had both been allowed to take part?"
Jason Plato said:	Without a doubt, Vauxhall in their wisdom have short changed the fans.
	Minnie Minx wants to know: "Why do you call YM "day old gravy""
Jason Plato said:	... because there is nothing worse!
	Nick wants to know: "When in 2005 will you race the new Leon Cupra"
Jason Plato said:	When it's ready! I don't know any more than that!
	Cat wants to know: "Do you think any of the current young guns in the BTCC have the potential to become a champion?"
Jason Plato said:	Rob Huff and Colin Turkington have impressed greatly this year!
	Kev wants to know: "Who inspired you when you first wanted to be a professional driver?"
Jason Plato said:	James Hunt. Nuf Said!
	Mikey wants to know: "I would like to be able to a racing driver when I'm older. How should I learn the skills?"
Jason Plato said:	Start karting as soon as you can, and ask dad to rob the bank to pay for it!
	Chris wants to know: "Did you start in Karting?"
Jason Plato said:	Yes at the age of 11!
	Pip wants to know: "If you were not in motor racing what would you want to do?"
Jason Plato said:	Fighter Pilot.
	Billy wants to know: "What has been the highlight of your career?"
Jason Plato said:	Web Chats!
	Mark Harvey wants to know: "Do you like F1? & who would you like to drive for? I was there at Thruxton and that was a great race day.. "
Jason Plato said:	Thanks, it was a great day! Williams in Formula 1 – they are a great bunch of guys!
	Sarah wants to know: "Do you ever get scared when you are racing?"
Jason Plato said:	Constantly!
	Pete wants to know: "What do you love about motor racing? "
Jason Plato said:	The competition, being on the edge, all that kind of stuff.
	Mark Sheerin wants to know: "Do you think you are as quick now as when you were younger or are you quicker?"
Jason Plato said:	Without doubt Mark! Wiser, Sharper and a damn sight quicker!
	Jamie wants to know: "Are races that are broadcast on national television more nerve racking?"
Jason Plato said:	It makes no difference as my mother is always in attendance.
	Norman wants to know: "Will SEAT be strong enough next season to challenge for the championship? What about if the reverse grids are taken away?"
Jason Plato said:	If only we could all see into the future! We will work non-stop over the winter to make sure we are.
	Iain wants to know: "What's the strangest thing you have seen within racing?"
Jason Plato said:	Thompson's hair over the last ten years!
	Tony Braggins wants to know: "Which form of motor sport do you believe has the most talented drivers?"
Jason Plato said:	I would say there are talented drivers in every discipline, however rallying could have the edge in terms of natural ability.
	Stickshifta wants to know: "What does tiptronic mean?"
Jason Plato said:	Tiptronic means find a girlfriend and stop reading brochures!
	John wants to know: "Do you get recognised by Joe Public when out and about or do you have to wear a hat and glasses"
Jason Plato said:	Yes I always wear a comedy nose!
	Cat Milton wants to know: "If you were a team manager and could pick from any touring driver past or present, who would you have in your ideal team?"
Jason Plato said:	Jo Winklehock, Jimmy, Oliver Dodds and The wart hog! Legends!
	Massa wants to know: "Will there be more manufacturers in BTCC next year?"
Jason Plato said:	Hopefully yes!
	Hoopee wants to know: "Do you think women will ever break into the BTCC?"
Jason Plato said:	We all know women can't drive and would never park in the garages! What's more BTCC cars don't have lippy mirrors!
	Mark Sheerin wants to know: "Have you ever compromised a grid girl...and if you have can I have her number?"
Jason Plato said:	My current grid girl has my name and number.
	Wiggy wants to know: "Is wearing a wig a hindrance when competing in the BTCC?"
Jason Plato said:	It's never done Thommo any harm!
	Wheelie wants to know: "Is it important to have good protection when driving?"
Jason Plato said:	I get my protection from Green Flag!!
	m0rk wants to know: "looking back at the BTCC teams in 2004 - who would you like to have driven for - had SEAT not entered "
Jason Plato said:	I wouldn't have bothered!
	jimmyt wants to know: "does JP find it hard squeezing his conk into his crash hat!!!"
Jason Plato said:	That's choice! Coming from someone who has an imaginary friend called Kimmy bear and goes by the name of mummy's special soldier, is that you James Thompson?
	Lucy wants to know: "Are you going to get bored over the winter break or have you got enough going to keep you occupied/will you welcome the chance to relax?"
Jason Plato said:	If only our public houses had European opening hours it would be easier to get through the night.
	Bahraini Playboy wants to know: "How comes only the rich kids seem to be able to get into motorsport?"
Jason Plato said:	Coz it's expensive! However history has proved the less privileged have been quicker.
	Minnie Minx wants to know: "When in Monaco do you socialise with other drivers - if so who?"
Jason Plato said:	No! But "the" Billy Smart does live round the corner.
	John wants to know: "Did wearing a bra at Brands give you extra support"
Jason Plato said:	Without a doubt I feel naked without, keep a look out in HMV for my new single "I like driving in my bra"
	Dee wants to know: "Hi Jason, Will you be racing in the BTCC Masters this weekend?"
Jason Plato said:	No, I can't make it I have got an oboe lesson instead!
	Pip wants to know: "Has Green Flag sponsorship changed the BTCC?"
Jason Plato said:	Yes! The crash recovery services have much improved!
	Jamie wants to know: "How fast are the BTCC cars?"
Jason Plato said:	Fast enough to lose your licence unless you have a Snooper Safety device.
	Maggie wants to know: "What's the most fun you can have in a car?"
Jason Plato said:	DRIVING IT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	Bobby wants to know: "Where do you see yourself in ten years time? "
Jason Plato said:	Hopefully not doing web chats! At the predicted age of 38!
	Dee wants to know: "well if you can't make the Masters how about the marshals campsite on Saturday evening and see how the other half live. We don't want to see you during the day!!"
Jason Plato said:	Your tent or mine?
	mattwrc wants to know: "have you heard any rumours around the paddock about what Thompson will be doing next year "
Jason Plato said:	He will be appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bradford Alhambra.
	Laura Howe wants to know: "Do you think the touring cars are better for having you back and SEAT entered? Like the rest of us do!"
Jason Plato said:	Thank you very much!
	Karina wants to know: "Where would you love to race and in what?"
Jason Plato said:	Le Mans in a prototype
	Neil wants to know: "Did you always know you would “make it”?"
Jason Plato said:	No, there is a good proportion in being in the right place at the right time. I am confident there is a better driver than Schumacher stacking shelves somewhere in the world.
	m0rk wants to know: "Is the V8 racing for fun or a viable career?"
Jason Plato said:	Both!
	Hetta wants to know: "Have you ever raced a woman?"
Jason Plato said:	Only around the bar…… she lost!
	mattwrc wants to know: "Thompson has already rocked the British rallying scene would you ever give it ago"
Jason Plato said:	I would love to!
	Clive wants to know: "Nell McAndrew or Terry Dwyer"
Jason Plato said:	Terry Dwyer.
	Mark Sheerin wants to know: "How did you nobble Huffy's car this year so he wouldn't beat you...was that you I saw pouring sugar in his gas tank?"
Jason Plato said:	He did a good job himself at the beginning of the year.
	Jimmyt wants to know: "could Jason explain his nickname Romanis Nostralis!!"
Jason Plato said:	Romanis Nostralis roughly translates as Strong like wood!
	Minnie Minx wants to know: "rumours suggest you are romantically involved - if so, is it serious."
Jason Plato said:	Is that you mum...?
	Doris wants to know: "Who would you most like to compete against?"
Jason Plato said:	Senna, but sadly that's not possible.
	Matt wants to know: "what do you think of Tom Chilton"
Jason Plato said:	Has potential.
	speedygonzales wants to know: "what would you like to do when your career is eventually over"
Jason Plato said:	I'd like to keep racing.
	Jimmy wants to know: Who would you rather see win the championship? James or Yvan? Who do you think deserves it most?"
Jason Plato said:	James as hopefully it might persuade him to get a round in! Yorkshire lad!
	Cat Laura wants to know: "Have you and Jimmy ever considered dropping the racing and becoming a double act? You can be quite funny when you try!"
Jason Plato said:	Watch this space...
	Gonzo wants to know: "What you ever consider getting into race commentating?"
Jason Plato said:	No, I stuttttttter too much!
	Achmed wants to know: "Do the Producers of Speed Sunday choose your shirts or do you?"
Jason Plato said:	Paul Smith does!
	Jo wants to know: "What will you be getting up to when the season ends?"
Jason Plato said:	Lying down on a beach, sipping cocktails in Whitley Bay Canny like!

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