Race and classic pictures

One of American motorsport's most familiar names

Skip Barber, born on this day in 1936, remains one of American motorsport's most well-known personalities thanks to his driving institutions and racing series that helped kick-start the careers of thousands of young drivers.

Barber won several national SCCA championships in the mid-1960s before clinching two consecutive national titles in Formula Ford.

In 1971, he purchased a March 711 which he entered in several Grand Prix under the Gene Mason Racing banner.

A non-qualifier at Monaco, he finished the Dutch GP at Zandvoort but too far back to be classified. He wasn't any luckier at Mosport, while he came home a distant 16th at Watkins Glen.

He persevered with the March in the 1972 North American races, but remained an 'also ran'. He then turned his efforts to GT cars before establishing in 1975 the Skip Barber Racing School which continues to thrive today with a dozen locations across the country.

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.