One of the rare bets lost by Bernie

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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.

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.