Clark closes out in East London banner year in F1

40

On this day in 1963, Jim Clark closed out a banner year with a slam dunk at the South African Grand Prix held in East London.

The Lotus driver - seen here leading teammate Trevor Taylor - launched his 85-lap race around the 3.9km circuit from pole and never looked back, conquering his tenth career win, his seventh victory of the season and his maiden F1 World Championship.

Brabham's Dan Gurney clocked in second over a minute behind while BRM's Graham Hill was third.

Anorak fact: the race would be the last Formula 1 event held in the month of December until the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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.