Shadow's finest hour and Jones' first

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

Don Nichols' Shadow outfit enjoyed somewhat of a cult following back in the day, at least in the US where the sleek black racers left a lasting impression on fans of the Can-Am series.

But in Formula 1, the American team's finest hour came on this day at the Osterreichring in 1977.

Alan Jones was only P14 on the Austrian GP grid but the rugged Aussie was incisive from the start, overtaking a string of cars in the early laps to move up to fifth after ten laps.

Jones eventually hustled his Shadow up to second but James Hunt's leading McLaren appeared as an insurmountable barrier. At least until his Cosworth engine suddenly blew up ten laps from the checkered flag.

Jonesy completed the race without drama to score his and Shadow's maiden Grand Prix win.

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.