The day Damon Hill put a firm grip on his future

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1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill came into this world on this day 66 years ago.

The 22-time Grand Prix winner certainly inherited the proper genetic capital to go racing, but that didn't give Damon a head start in motorsport.

When his legendary father Graham was killed in a plane accident in 1975, years of hardship and adversity set in for the Hill family.

But Damon pressed on and despite the bumpy ride, thanks to his fortitude and courage, he eventually got there, and lived up to his family's proud heritage to become the first son of an F1 world champion to take the title.

Happy Birthday Champ!

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.