Race and classic pictures

A McLaren or a Yamura?

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McLaren scored its first world championship point at the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch held in July 1966.

But don't let the picture here fool you. That's not Chris Amon behind the wheel of the McLaren M2B, but founder Bruce McLaren himself.

After qualifying P16, the Kiwi survived a high rate of attrition to finish sixth in the Serenissima V8-powered white machine.

So why was Bruce wearing a helmet which resembled that of his good friend Chris Amon?

Because the race was part of John Frankenheimer's footage destined to be included in his epic film 'Grand Prix'.

The McLaren was disguised as a Yamura, driven by the talented Pete Aron, aka actor James Garner whose character used Amon's helmet design.

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.