Mansell's famous Dallas GP 'push and coast'

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It's Nigel Mansell's 72nd birthday today and we've chosen a specific shot from the past which we believe rightly embodies the mettle and character - and perhaps also the drama - displayed by the 1992 F1 World Champion during his motorsport career.

As a fighter, Mansell was never one to give up. Driving for Lotus in 1984, the Briton had secured his first ever pole in F1 at the 1984 Dallas Grand Prix.

But on race day, the hot conditions and a crumbling track had taken their toll on the field. Mansell was running fifth with two laps to go when a slight hit with the wall damaged his gearbox.

Resolute on seeing the checkered flag, Mansell climbed out of his car and pushed it to and across the finish line, before collapsing from exhaustion.

The dramatic effort earned him but a single point!

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.