Mansell’s need for speed hits a roadblock

On this day in 1997, Nigel Mansell was swiftly cruising at the wheel of his brand new Bentley down a Somerset road when local police pulled over the F1 world champion for speeding.

When the high-profile case went to court, the 1994 F1 World Champion's lawyer pleaded leniency with the judge given the driver's "unblemished record" on the road and his outstanding skills.

Unimpressed, the magistrate laid down the law, hitting Mansell with a six-month driving ban and a £400 fine!

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.