When mighty Surtees defeated the elements and his rivals at Spa

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On this day in 1966, John Surtees defied the elements, his rivals and Spa's ever-present dangers to win the Belgian Grand Prix for Ferrari.

The race had started in dry but overcast conditions but when drivers reached the far end of the track they hit a wall of pouring rain, and eight cars crashed out within minutes!

Among them, Jackie Stewart's BRM which crashed shortly after the treacherous Masta kink and finished upside down in the outside basement of a farm building!

Stewart was rushed to hospital with several broken bones but the accident forever changed the Scot's outlook on the sport, igniting Sir Jackie's remorseless campaign for improved safety.

The win was Big John's fourth career victory in F1 and his fourth and final triumph with the Scuderia.

Surtees would go on to win another F1 race - the Mexican Grand Prix - later in the '66 season with... Cooper.

But that's a story for another day.

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.