Tanti auguri to the real Super Mario!

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Mario Andretti begins on this day his 79^th trip around the sun, so a shot of the 1978 F1 World Champion at the wheel of the Lotus '79' is in order.

Andretti and the 79 were a match made in heaven, clinching six wins together in Mario's milestone year, the last in which an American driver won the F1 title.

The years have no bearing on this living legend's enthusiasm and passion for racing.

Super Mario keeps an attentive eye on the family endeavors, with son Michael at the helm of his multiple teams and grandson Marco running strong in Indy Car.

And Mario himself can still be seen running at a good pace around an oval, as IndyCar's preferred two-seater jockey.

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.