A first for a Frenchman in Paris

It's a well-known fact that Simon Pagenaud eats, sleeps and breathes Indycar, which is part of the Penske driver's recipe for success in the US series.

Pagenaud's outstanding win in this year's Indy 500 earned him his effigy on the famous event's BorgWarner trophy

And this week the 35-year-old became only the second driver in Indycar history - after Takuma Sato's journey to Japan in 2017 - to take the gleaming memorial out of the United States, enjoying a proud round of displays in his home country.

"This oval racing is definitely not something that we (in France) even try as kids driving go-karts," Pagenaud told The Associated Press.

"It just isn’t a discipline we ever learn. So being able to come to America as a Frenchman, and no offense, but to beat the Americans, was very special to me and special for everybody in France."

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.