A first win for Big Dan and Porsche at Rouen

©CahierArchive

Dan Gurney and Porsche took their first world championship victory on this day in 1962, winning the French Grand Prix at Rouen.

The lanky American launched his race from the third row but ran into a bit of luck as front-runners McLaren, Brabham and Surtees all hit trouble, leaving Gurney to coast to an easy win, with Cooper's Tony maggs and BRM's Richie Ginther completing the podium.

And in this great photo by Bernard Cahier, reigning world champion Phil Hill, who wasn't competing that day as Ferrari had pulled out of the event, can be seen rushing in to congratulate his good friend Big Dan.

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.