It takes something special to rattle the cage of BTCC champion Jason Plato, but if there’s one man with the ability to do so, it’s ‘ol Tiff Needell. Tiff’s driven every quick piece of racing machinery under the sun, but perhaps he’s best known by his uncanny ability to throw anything into a long, lurid slide. Plus, he’s well-aware of Fifth Gear co-presenter Plato’s nerves and how to manipulate them.
In that category is the Porsche 911 Turbo, which Tiffy boy uses to get under the skin of Plato, who’s seen his fair share of accidents and isn’t fazed by much. It should be mentioned now that Tiff and Jason have something of a heated rivalry, and like two competitive schoolboys, do everything in their power to have the last laugh. In this case, Tiff tries smoking all four tires in a convertible Porsche at triple-digit speeds to give Plato a few more gray hairs. It works.
Needless to say, Tiff’s car control is impeccable but not enough to keep the Porsche on the circuit; a few agricultural excursions are just part of getting the cocky Plato to throw up the white flag. It’s a matter of pride between these two born racers, who manage to retain something inexplicably youthful and exuberant in their driving styles. Some say motor racing keeps people young. Well, their hair might not reflect that sentiment, but perhaps they meant young at heart.