When 'Geriatric Jack' showed the young ones how it was done

40

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort held on this day in 1966 was the scene of a memorable prank by F1's senior citizen at the time, one Jack Brabham.

Members of the media had mocked the Aussie earlier in the season, questioning his ability to challenge for the world championship at the ripe old age of 40.

But on race day, when the time came for the drivers to join the grid, an ancient looking Brabham, leaning on a cane and wearing a false beard, limped painfully to his car!

Ninety laps later however - following the demise of Jim Clark's Lotus - Brabham celebrated his tenth Grand Prix victory, a task he acievied while lapping the entire field!

The 'old man' still had it...

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.