The return of a lucky survivor

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Less than 14 weeks after a massive crash in qualifying for the Indy 500, Sebastien Bourdais returns to racing with Dale Coyne's team this weekend.

The 38-year-old and former Toro Rosso driver made an amazing recovery from the injuries he sustained, and got the all clear from IndyCar's medical director a week ago.

Bourdais will join the rest of the Verizon IndyCar Series field at Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois tomorrow, with rookie Esteban Gutierrez, who had replaced the Frenchman at Dale Coyne Racing, stepping aside.

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.