fast lane
Who is Fifth Gear host Jason Plato and what is his net worth?
And the reason why he retired from the British Touring Car Championship
JASON Plato is a record-breaking motor racing legend and presenter.
Famed for competing in the British Touring Car Championship, here's everything you need to know about the star.
2
Who is Fifth Gear host Jason Plato?
Jason was born in Oxford on October 14, 1967.
His family moved to Newcastle when he was a child, where he spent his early years living in Walkergate.
He attended Kings School in Tynemouth before heading back to his native Oxfordshire in his mid-teens.
During this time he learnt his skills behind the wheel of a go-kart in the car park of the former North East Car Auctions in North Shields.
Read More on Fifth Gear
His career began in karting in the late 1980s, before debuting in BTCC in 1997.
Between his debut and retirement in 2022, Jason started more than 600 BTCC races and holds the record of 97 victories.
What is Jason Plato's net worth?
According to reports, Jason's net worth is estimated to be in the region of $10million (£7,932,0000).
He has amassed his impressive fortune through his successful racing and media careers.
Most read in Motors
Who is Jason Plato's wife Sophie and do they have any children?
Jason is married to his wife Sophie and they have two children: Alena, born on April 28, 2008, and Zia Jessica, born February 24, 2010.
The pair tend to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, as well as their children.
Speaking at the time their firstborn arrived, the TV presenter said he was too aware of the media attention the youngster would receive and therefore opted to keep her away from the limelight.
I fancy GTs, I’ve got to do Le Mans, and I’ll do some more historics. There’s lots more I want to do
Jason Plato
Jason told in 2008: “At the moment, all I care about is Sophie and Alena, and I firmly believe keeping Alena out of the Press and away from the racetrack is the best thing.
“The stress for Sophie would be too much, and at the end of the day, the Jason Plato everyone sees on telly or at the track is not the man at home, the doting daddy.
“I want to enjoy my daughter with my wife, my family and my close friends, and I am more than happy to keep my private life private.
“Besides, if people saw me cooing over this little bundle they'd only think I’d gone soft and I can’t have that now, can I?” he chuckled.
Upcoming 2024 Driving Laws - What You Need to Know
What other shows has Jason Plato appeared on?
Jason co-presented Channel 5's Fifth Gear and its reboot Fifth Gear Recharged alongside Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson and Jonny Smith from 2004 to 2023.
He regularly appeared on Saturday Morning with James Martin from 2017 to 2020.
The star also featured in an episode of Ready Steady Cook in 2008.
In 2006, Jason presented Sky 1's Mission Implausible, where he and Tania Zaetta competed to perform three stunts throughout each episode.
He previously co-presented Channel 4's motoring program Driven between 2000 and 2002 alongside Mike Brewer, Penny Mallory and James May.
2
How long did Jason Plato compete in the BTCC?
In 1997 the motorsport world witnessed the arrival of Jason Plato.
He has twice been BTCC Champion, in 2001 for Vauxhall and 2010 for Silverline Chevrolet.
Jason retired after the 2022 season in hopes of receiving different opportunities.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He told AutoSport: “The world of motorsport just assumes I’ll be doing the BTCC each year so other opportunities don’t come up – people think it’s off my radar.
“I fancy GTs, I’ve got to do Le Mans, and I’ll do some more historics. There’s lots more I want to do.”
Topics