Al Pease was just too slow to please

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You'd be excused for not knowing that little known two-time Canadian GP entrant Al Pease was born on this day in 1921.

Pease, a successful racer on Canada's regional motorsport scene, tried his hand at F1 for the first time in 1967 at Mosport.

Onboard a year-old Eagle-Climax, he qualified 16th out of 18 runners in the Canadian Grand Prix which, all things considered, wasn't too bad. But battery problems thwarted his efforts in the race.

Two years later, he was back for more, with the same car. But the Eagle was now nothing more than a genuine museum exhibit.

Undeterred, the 47-year-old Pease pressed on, much to the chagrin of his fellow racers who complained of his dismal pace.

After 22 laps, Pease was ordered back to the pits, and suffered the humiliating experience of becoming the first and only driver in Grand Prix history to be black-flagged for being too slow!

And now you know… the rest of the story.

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.