There was no giving up for Niki Lauda

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It's only fitting that we revive a memorable moment from Niki Lauda's past on this day when the motorsport community mourns the great Austrian's passing.

Lauda's career in Grand Prix racing obviously includes dozens of high points or remarkable achievements, but when forced to choose it's hard not to single out his incredible return to racing mere weeks after his fiery Nurburgring accident in 1976.

When a driver is a victim of a horrendous crash and suffers injuries that justify that he be given the last rites, one can only wonder what compulsion would drive him back to racing's ragged edge.

Less than six weeks after cheating death at the German Grand Prix, escaping with severe burns, his lungs severely damaged and his face scarred for life, world championship leader Niki Lauda showed up at Monza, his head swathed in bandages, ready to return to battle.

Race day saw Lauda accomplish a heroic physical and psychological effort on his way to a fourth-place finish during which his only assignment was to prove to himself that he was still alive!

A test he passed with flying colors and phenomenal courage, for there was no giving up for Niki Lauda.

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.