Eddie Cheever: Still the American driver with the most F1 starts

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

Today, we wish a happy 68th birthday to Eddie Cheever who remains after all these years the American driver with the most Grand Prix starts to his name - 132 to be exact.

Although he enjoyed his very first F1 race at just 20 when he ran in the 1978 South African GP with Hesketh, Cheever really kickstarted his career with Osella in 1980, later racing with Tyrrell, Ligier, Renault, Alfa Romeo and Arrows.

Overall, Cheever achieved 9 podium finishes in F1. He concluded his run at the pinnacle of motorsport in 1989 with Arrows, but remained active in the US in the IndyCar series, ultimately winning its most coveted prize, the Indy 500, in 1998.

Eddie is seen here above at speed in the Ligier JS19 at Monza in 1982, and hereunder with the great Niki Lauda at the British GP at Brands Hatch in 1984.

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.