Derek rings the bell for the 77th time!

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Derek Reginald Bell MBE turns 77-years-young today. The fact that the hugely talented five-times Le Mans winner only ran in a handful of F1 races remains an oddity in motorsport.

Yet Bell enjoyed a promising baptism of fire in Grand Prix racing, lining up on the grid of his maiden F1 race with Ferrari at the 1968 Italian Grand Prix!

But the Brit was too often entrusted with second-rate equipment - like the 1972 Tecno seen here - unworthy of his talent to make it work in Formula 1.

Fortunately, a massively successful career in sports car racing would more than make up for his F1 shortfall.

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.