John Miles: Remembering a man with a diverse set of skills

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Former works Lotus driver John Miles passed away yesterday at 75-years-old, and while he never left his mark on F1, this quiet man's life was anything but uninteresting.

Miles achievements in various categories of British motorsport and his engineering talent enticed Colin Chapman to award him a drive with Lotus in 1969, and later on the arduous task of developing the team's ground-breaking 72.

Miles got caught up in the British outfit's end of season drama in 1970 however, when the death of Jochen Rindt at Monza took its toll on Lotus. Left with no real opportunity to move forward in F1, his motivation also considerably undermined, Miles turned away from racing to move on to other pastures in life.

A man of many interests, John Miles put his engineering acumen to good use with various automotive companies, but also founded a record label devoted to the British jazz scene.

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.