Plato planning BTCC return in GA Astra!

Super Tourer · 3 Apr 2003, 07:52 (Ref:556905)

Jason Plato is planning to contest this years BTCC in a privateer GA Motorsport Vauxhall Astra.

Plato says the deal isn't yet done, but said it's likely to happen. Plato's ASCAR commitments mean that he could contest 8 out of the 10 BTCC races.

In the same article it seems Gavin Pypers place in the other Astra is still subject to securing a budget. Pyper is hoping for public support via a fund raising scheme, fans will be able to support him through a fantasy touring car game, with a test session in one of the GA Astra's as he main prize.

Info from Autosport magazine

Super Tourer · 3 Apr 2003, 08:03 (Ref:556917)

If you want some info on Gavin Pyper's fantasy touring car game log onto: www.gavinpypermotorsport.co.uk

Stake is £10 to play the game !

BootsOntheSide · 3 Apr 2003, 08:33 (Ref:556934)

Interesting rumour, but I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile for him, simply because it's only for the Independant's cup (I don't fancy the team's chacnes of being competitive overall) and he would miss two races, which would require him to do much better than the other Indies (and guys like Pyper and Collard are stiff opposition, plus we don't know how good the 307 could be if VLR get it together). Does the article have any quotes from Plato or anyone at GA which support this?

Super Tourer · 3 Apr 2003, 08:41 (Ref:556935)

Yep and their is a two page feature on GA Motorsport as well. Plato is quoted as follows.

"The deal hasn't been done, but we're all working to make it happen. It would be great news for everybody:for me, Gary, the BTCC and the fans. It's likely to happen."

Also:

"Whether it's works or not doesn't make any difference to me"

It may all be academic, as the two page feature on GA Motorsport and their BTC effort states they have every thing in place to run the Astra's, except for funding......

Chris Y · 3 Apr 2003, 09:30 (Ref:556983)

I love that last line. It's like me saying "I have everything in place to run a Viper in the British GT championship, except for funding".

spanner · 3 Apr 2003, 12:35 (Ref:557181)

I thought that Plato was looking for a Le mans seat?
Didnt he say when he moved to ASCAR that he wasnt going to return to the BTCC?

**Stephen Green** · 3 Apr 2003, 12:43 (Ref:557197)

Sorry guys but I hope he stays in Ascar. Don't like the guy much and for me he won't be missed in the BTCC.

Claire · 3 Apr 2003, 12:59 (Ref:557227)

Looks like you will have to put up with him Stephen, all the interviews I have read and the connections I have seem to think it's a done deal. If it's any consalation he will only be at Brands once as the 2nd visit clashes with Ascar.

**Stephen Green** · 3 Apr 2003, 13:03 (Ref:557232)

Phew *wipes sweat from brow* thank goodness for that!

Speeddemon555 · 3 Apr 2003, 14:25 (Ref:557313)

Hmmm, Jason is anxious to get back and win the BTCC title entirely. I hope Yvan will give Jason some payback for costing him the title in 2001. Ironically, Jason might drive Yvan's ex-works Astra.

rdjones · 3 Apr 2003, 16:09 (Ref:557411)

Quote:

Originally posted by Stephen Green
Sorry guys but I hope he stays in Ascar. Don't like the guy much and for me he won't be missed in the BTCC.

The impression I got was that he 2 years left on a ASCAR contract and would do 7 BTCC rounds this year........

Jimeth · 3 Apr 2003, 16:22 (Ref:557418)

hmm it says 10 on autosport

McKay · 3 Apr 2003, 17:42 (Ref:557475)

well i think its great that anybody is trying to get back into the BTCC. i know its not like Aiello or Menu (win and dont defend) with Plato, but still a great driver and an old BTCC frontrunner trying to get beack in is brilliant. all we need now is Rydell and that lot!

Reido Rules · 3 Apr 2003, 17:54 (Ref:557490)

Menu won the title twice, so he did try to defend!

One good reason for Plato's return is the scarce ASCAR calender, and the poor management of Rockingham, which has left him with a very thin year. So rather than twidling his thumbs, (and losing valuble earning time) he's decided to get back on track. He could also be looking at trying to stick two fingers up at Vauxhall, by pushing them in a 1year old car (If Slight can ...).

Jimeth · 3 Apr 2003, 18:11 (Ref:557518)

sorry i meant 8 not 10

shinchley · 3 Apr 2003, 20:07 (Ref:557658)

http://www.tocatour.co.uk/

its all there in black and white .

And it aint April the 1st , its gotta be true

**touringlegend** · 3 Apr 2003, 21:48 (Ref:557755)

I'm still finding Plato coming back to the BTCC a little amazing, especially as a privateer, but I think he'll be able to do a deal.

Not a big fan of the guy but the year would be entertaining with him..

kmchow · 4 Apr 2003, 01:15 (Ref:557874)

But his triumphant(??) return is based on him bringing funding along with him?

BootsOntheSide · 4 Apr 2003, 09:14 (Ref:558090)

Presumably he can bring a lot fo funding, as he's such a big name.

What about their Alfas for the Production Class, are they continuing with the plan to run thsoe for sponsored drivers? Could one fo thsoe guys step up to the car for one of the clashing races?

touringcarnut · 4 Apr 2003, 16:20 (Ref:558530)

It would be good for the series if he does come back. Even if you don't like him, you've got to admit that its gonna be interesting seeing him lined up with the works vauxhall boys!

**Craig** · 4 Apr 2003, 16:26 (Ref:558540)

I don't think JP will be bringing any funding with him - what he will bring is enough of an image boost to Gary Ayles' presentation to allow him to put the hard sell on those potential sponsors who appear to be dithering. Plato and Pyper would be a hell of a combination and would surely stand a far better bet of attracting sponsorship in these troubled times than paying drivers such as Saunders and Blencowe.

touringcarnut · 4 Apr 2003, 16:29 (Ref:558545)

I don't think i'd fancy having them behind me in a race!
One of them running wide but never easing off and the other waiting to have a punt at you!

**touringlegend** · 4 Apr 2003, 16:43 (Ref:558556)

I doubt he's bringing anything in financial means to the team Plato is actually quoted as saying this in Autosport:

Quote:

My job as a racing driver is to race and get paid for it. In this, both those aims are being achieved.

kmchow · 4 Apr 2003, 18:05 (Ref:558605)

Then I would be really impressed if he gets a seat? Unless sponsors really are that driver biased and will throw money at GA just b/c of Plato's participation?

**touringlegend** · 4 Apr 2003, 18:17 (Ref:558619)

As Craig says, a sponsor will be far more tempted to sponsor a team with an ex champ in it, than one with, for example Rob Collard (no dis-respect meant at all). It's obvious reading from many reactions on the forums that a lot of BTCC fans will be watching Plato closely this season, and he's bound to create some amount of controversy sometime and hit the headlines.

Also, I don't think Autosport would of gave GA/Plato 2 1/2 pages of coverage if it wasn't actually for Plato - so it shows the influence he's had on the press already.

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