Remembering one of the sport's greatest characters

40

Innes Ireland, who passed away on this day in 1993, was once famously described as having "lived without sense, without an analyst, and provoked astonishment and affection from everyone".

But above all, Ireland was a true and skilled racer who competed in 53 Grand Prix from 1956 to 1966, and the man who gave Lotus its very first win, achieved at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1961.

Unfortunately, he rarely found a car that matched his talent, and Innes Ireland retired from active duty in 1967 to devote his time to writing, penning a superb account of his life with his autobiography 'All Arms and Elbows'.

He was also the acting president of the BRDC at the time of his passing in 1993 at his home in Reading.

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.