Plato not fan friendly

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Originally Posted by UltimateDanGTR

supporting to what AndySpeed said, may we also remember that Jason drives for one of if not the most proffesional team in the BTCC: RML. this is a team who runs international operations as well remember, including the chevrolet WTCC effort. It may therefore be the case that drivers for such a team may have less time for fans than other teams, especially independents, because of more work to do for and with the team, things like more data analysation and more thorough operations in other areas. no disrepect to independent teams or anyone else in the BTCC, but RML are an evidently high class act.

my two cense.

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Well said, This is a big year for RML in the BTCC as they are running as a factory team for chevrolet, which means specific targets have to be met, so if Jason can't sign autographs, its for logical reasons

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Originally Posted by AndySpeed

I'm sorry Les but I feel the need to step in now.

If a driver decides to chat with the fans and mingle around the paddock, perhaps that explains why they are often towards the back (and I am assuming a certain type of driver you are referring to).

It may mean he is not spending as much time looking at technical data, talking to sponsors or guests and being professional about the racing.

You are essentially comparing a professional racing driver to what are glorified club racers.

Your comparison is, in my opinion, flawed.

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Say what you like about his 'race craft' but Matt Neal, even at the height of his powers 'people's champ days always respected the fans whether it was going the extra mile with autographs or polite rejection - not that I'm insinuating Plato is rude, but that a rejection can be another man's arrogant put down.

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Originally Posted by Jason Plato

Dear All,

During the course of a race weekend I give as much time as I can to sign autographs and chat with fans, however, please try and understand that I have a job to do. I have a comitment to Chevrolet, RML, Silverline and all our sponsors. When I appear from the pit garage it doesn't mean I am available to sign autographs, I have meetings and debriefs to attend. We have 3 races during the day and a tremendous amount of time needs to be given to my team. That is why there is a specific autograph session scheduled in the timetable, where I can give my undivided attention to the fans.

I am sorry I cannot sign autographs for everyone. But please try and understand that if I stop for one, then I have to stop for all and nearly every time I refuse I am heading for a meeting or in the middle of something.

Hope the above clears matters up.

Regards
Jason Plato

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good luck for the rest of the season Jason and thank you for clearing things up

i think i can safely say...Case closed