Honda brings its race winning RA300 to Monza

40

Honda will give its iconic RA300 a few demo laps at Monza next Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Honda’s Italian Grand Prix victory with the car.

The Honda RA300 actually enjoyed a stunning debut in 1967, with John Surtees winning at Monza in the car's first-ever world championship race.

Surtees, who passed away in March of this year, started from ninth but took the lead from Jim Clark's Lotus and Jack Brabham's Brabham on the final lap.

The RA300 remains the only F1 car ever to take its single victory in its very first Grand Prix, and on the only lap it would ever lead.

It would have been a real treat to have Big John at Monza next weekend to drive 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.