A shy Welshman, but a fast and furious racer

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

Welshman Tom Pryce was tragically killed on this day in 1977, the victim of a freak accident that marred the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami that year.

In a horrible twist of fate that occurred on lap 22, Pryce struck a marshal running across the track to help extinguish a small fire that had ignited on the car of his Shadow teammate Renzo Zorzi.

Running just behind the March of Hans Stuck on the uphill potion of the main straight, Pryce could not see, let alone avoid, the careless marshal when Stuck swerved to avoid him.

The 40lb fire extinguisher hit the unfortunate Pryce in the head, killing him instantly as well as the young 19-year-old marshal, Frederick Jansen van Vuuren.

Pryce was 27 and on the verge of a promising career.

In 1975, he won the non-championship Race of Champions at Brands Hatch with Shadow.

A shy soul off the track, Pryce was a fierce charger with a flamboyant style behind the wheel of a race car.

©TheCahierArchive

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.