Race and classic pictures

One last run in the points for Super Mario!

As living legend Mario Andretti celebrates his 78th birthday, we look back to 1982 and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

That year, Ferrari called upon Andretti to fill-in for the seriously injured Didier Pironi at the Scuderia's home race at Monza.

Without any prior seat time in the gorgeous 126C, Andretti promptly put the Ferrari and himself on pole, working the local tifosi into a frenzy!

The next day, he finished third, scoring the very last championship points of his championship-winning F1 career.

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.

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