IndyCar celebrates Colton Herta, its youngest winner ever!

The second round of the 2019 IndyCar series in Austin was a race of firsts on Sunday.

It was the first time the US championship raced at the Circuit of the Americas, the venue of the US Grand Prix, it was the maiden win for the Harding Steinbrenner Racing outfit and, last but not least, it was the first triumph for young Colton Herta.

At 18 years, 11 months and 22 days, Herta became the youngest IndyCar winner ever, blending his strong pace with a perfect strategy to become the star of the day, and likely a big star of the future.

Colton is the son of former IndyCar and Champ Car driver Bryan Herta, so there are nno doubting his good genes.

Still, it was flawless performance from the teen who upstaged the series' veterans, even if he benefitted from the misfortune that hit front-runners Will Power and Alex Rossi.

Having tasted the wine after picking the grapes, Herta pledged to keep his momentum flowing in two weeks at Barber Motorsports Park.

"It was cool to win here, first race at Circuit of the Americas and youngest to win. I think it will be something I’ll come back to forever," he admitted.

"Just to be up with the names of people that have won – I'm going to live and die an IndyCar winner, which is spectacular in itself. It's a great record at a young age. To be standing up here kind of feels surreal…

"I've been bit by the bug now. One race isn't enough. Going to go for another one at Barber. I just want to get there and drive again."

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.