Back when Formula 1 raced at Le Mans

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A curious decision by the Automobile Club de France resulted in the French Grand Prix taking place at Le Mans on this day in 1967, but on the track's new Bugatti layout.

Unfortunately, the 4.4 km twisty circuit hardly exuded the splendor of Reims, Rouen or Clermont Ferrand, and it left most drivers thoroughly unimpressed.

The race nevertheless produced some good dicing, with Jack Brabham onboard his eponymous BT24 emerging as the day's winner after mechanical issues sidelined the Lotus machines of Jim Clark and Graham Hill, as well as Dan Gurney's Eagle.

Brabham's teammate and future world champion Denny Hulme and BRM's Jackie Stewart completed the podium on the only F1 race ever held at Le Mans.

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.