Herbert miraculously survives to race another day

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On this day in 1988, a horrendous crash at Brands Hatch practically ended Johnny Herbert's career in motorsport.

The F3000 racer sustained massive injuries to his legs when his Eddie Jordan Racing Reynard tangled with Gregor Foitek's Lola and hit the barriers head-on at Pilgrim's Drop.

Harrowing hours followed for Herbert as doctors at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup debated whether to amputate his left foot. As for Johnny's racing career, the doctors were adamant that it was definitely over.

Ultimately however, thanks to the insistence of family and friends, the medical crews did their very best to put the 24-year-old's limbs back together.

Six months later, although he could barely stand on his own two feet, Herbert lined up on the grid of the Brazilian Grand Prix for his F1 debut with Benetton. And fought his way to a sensational fourth place finish!

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.