More than just a milestone win for Fittipaldi and Lotus

Just a month after Lotus had suffered the tragic loss of Jochen Rindt at Monza, the team's spirits were lifted on this day in 1970 by young rookie Emerson Fittipaldi's maiden F1 win in the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

The remarkable triumph was a significant event, not only for the 23-year-old Brazilian, but also for Colin Chapman's team as the win ensured that Rindt could not be overtaken in the F1 world championship by runner-up, Ferrari's Jacky Ickx.

The great Austrian thus became Formula 1's only posthumous champion, while the man of the day, Emerson Fittipaldi, had set himself on a path to stardom.

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.