Hans Binder: Not exactly a local hero but kudos for trying

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The great Niki Lauda was conspicuously absent from the starting grid of the Austrian Grand Prix held on this day in 1976, and for a good reason as the Ferrari driver was recovering from his horrendous Nürburgring crash that had occurred just two weeks earlier.

So local fans took a keen interest in another Austrian charger, Hans Binder, who was making his F1 debut with Ensign at Zeltweg.

The 28-year-old rookie qualified 19th and ran as high as 9th in the race before retiring seven laps from the checkered flag.

Binder would enjoy eleven more Grands Prix outings the following year, all with Surtees, but without ever scoring a point.

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.