Few are those who have been successful in betting against Bernie Ecclestone.
In 1974 however, Texaco marketing boss John Goossens challenged the then Brabham team owner to a game of poker, poolside at the Kyalami Ranch, on the eve of the South African Grand Prix.
The two men agreed that playing for money was a rather vulgar and trivial affair, so they chose another form of loot. At stake was some advertising space on Carlos Reutemann's immaculate white Brabham BT44.
If Bernie won, Texaco would pay the team owner $3,000 in sponsorship money, and if he lost, Texaco would get the space free of charge.
Goossens skillfully played his hand – and bluff – and put won over on Mr. E.
Both parties were delighted with the outcome however as Reutemann won the race the following day, and it was the first Grand Prix victory for the Argentinian.
