Moments before tragedy struck for Moss

It was looking like just another Sunday drive for Stirling Moss at Goodwood on this day in 1962.

However, it would all go terribly wrong for the British great in the closing stages of the International 100 for F1 cars.

After a misunderstanding with Graham Hill, Moss lost control of his Lotus on the fastest section of the track, and crashed heavily into a low bank protecting spectators.

Moss sustained severe head injuries which left him in a coma for over a month. A full recovery warranted a return to Goodwood a year later and a track test to assess a possible comeback.

Alas, the natural edge which was his genius had departed Moss, for good.

"I bore the circuit no grudge and could still drive quite fast, but it no longer felt natural," he once recounted.

"Just driving the car took all my concentration, while in the past I could do that, look at the dials and spot a pretty girl in the crowd."

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.