Jason Plato 'needs banning' from BTCC, says team boss David Bartrum
By Kevin Turner Monday, September 3rd 2012, 11:23 GMT
British Touring Car team boss David Bartrum has called for Jason Plato to be banned in the ongoing spat over the Knockhill weekend.
Bartrum's Motorbase driver Aron Smith was fined £500 and given three points on his licence for a clash that removed Plato's MG from race one.
Plato called for greater punishment, but in his post-Knockhill blog, Bartrum said the double champion should look at his own driving.
"He suggested Aron doesn't deserve a race licence," said Bartrum. "Quite frankly, he is the man who needs banning from the championship.
"Why TOCA didn't give him points for his revenge mission at Snetterton on Matt Neal is anybody's guess! Probably because he has so many points already.
"He is a director in the most influential club in British motorsport (the British Racing Drivers' Club), he is in a role in which people need to respect him and look upon him as someone who sets an example of how a race driver conducts himself both on and off the circuit. In my opinion he does neither!
"All of that said I do respect his driving ability, he is clearly very talented. He also puts on a great show for the public, who seemingly love a bad boy. Maybe we were just another part of his show.
"I just think if he kept his mouth shut and his thoughts to himself the world would be better for it."
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102217