Born on this day, the 'Ickx factor'

©TheCahierArchives

In the annals of motorsport history, Jacky Ickx – who celebrates his 79^th birthday on this first day of the year – stands as a towering figure, a true all-rounder who excelled in various disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

During his illustrious career, the great Belgian won 8 Grands Prix with Brabham and Ferrari and 6 editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours, while he also claimed a world title in the World Sports Car Championship with Porsche, another title in the Can-Am series and an overall win in the Paris-Dakar rally raid.

A superb stylist and a man who mastered the elements - as well as the Nürburgring's 'Green Hell' - Ickx achieved his very last F1 win at the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch with Lotus in 1974.

Anyone out there old enough to remember Jacky's fabulous and daring overtaking maneuver on Niki Lauda at that race, on the outside of Paddock Bend?

We are...

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.