Race and classic pictures

First poster for 'Ford V. Ferrari' epic revealed!

If this stunning poster is anything to go by, November 15 can't come soon enough for the release of the highly anticipated 'Ford v. Ferrari' film epic.

Starring Matt Damon as the intrepid and no-nonsense Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as sports-car great Ken Miles, the film recounts Ford's endeavor with the GT40 to challenge and defeat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966.

Directed by Logan and Walk the Line filmmaker James Mangold, the film epic had been in the pipeline for years, with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt attached to the project at one point.

'Ford v. Ferrari' was initially scheduled for a summer release, but Fox pushed the film back to the fall to give it a better chance of garnering an award.

The first footage from the film apparently wowed audiences at CinemaCon earlier this year, and the first trailer will be released on Sunday.

It's two thumbs up on our end already!

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.