Race and classic pictures

Danica Patrick overwhelms her father with the perfect gift

It was a memorable year for former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick who closed the curtain on her distinguished motorsport career.

But it was also an unforgettable Christmas for the Patrick household thanks to a precious gift donated by the 36-year-old to her father T.J.

Danica gave her father a frame containing her first and last race suits, the latter worn last May during her final Indy 500.

It was an emotional moment for both father and daughter, as Danica wrote on Instagram.

"Merry Christmas Eve! This is from yesterday before I left my parents place in Indy," she said.

"We did Christmas early and my sis helped with the idea of something sentimental for dad ….. we all cried. It’s my first and last suit. It was an emotional year of leaving something behind that was such a huge part of our lives.

"The main reason I am saying all this, is because Christmas doesn’t have to cost a lot of money," she added.

"It should cost something different …. sometimes more than we are willing to give, and that is your time and/or deep thought of a gift that will mean something to someone. I

"I am guilty of spending money, yes, but I also put all a lot of thought to what I am getting."

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.