Emmo draws first blood in Argentina

On this day in 1973, reigning world champion Emerson Fittipaldi kicked off his title defence in style by winning the season-opening Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires.

After an early salvo from BRM's Clay Regazzoni fizzled, fans were treated to a thrilling three-way scrap between Fittipaldi and Tyrrell boys Jackie Stewart and François Cevert.

The Frenchman, very much the man of the day, led for the bulk of the 96-lap race while Stewart was forced to contend with a slow puncture that put him in the clutches of Fittipaldi.

The Brazilian eventually passed the Scot and then gained the upper hand over Cevert with ten laps to go, sealing his seventh Grand Prix win.

But Cevert's display wasn't lost on his mentor.

"He drove the race of his life … it was remarkable," said Stewart. "He really is the great young driver everyone has been saying he is going to be. In my opinion, he has already arrived."

©TheCahierArchive

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.