A great talent, and a missed opportunity

If you're looking for an amazing motorsport autobiography, pick up the critically acclaimed 'Crashed and Byrned'.

Tommy Byrne is often considered to be one of the greatest wasted talents in the history of Formula 1. Sensational in the junior categories, with several championship victories, he got an F1 break but a poor one at that as it was with under-funded, uncompetitive Theodore outfit in 1982.

Byrne was so disenchanted with the two-race experience that he simply gave up on his ambitions of racing at the pinnacle of motor racing, and gradually drifted into oblivion.

Oh, and today is Tommy's birthday by the way. Buy his book.

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.