On this day in 1975, Brabham's Carlos Pace finally won his maiden Grand Prix, the quiet Brazilian assuming the enviable role of the local hero when he triumphed on home ground at Interlagos.

A big favourite of Brabham boss Bernie Ecclestone, 'Moco' - as his family and close friends called him - was a man who certainly deserved wider recognition in his career.

Alas, Pace was deprived of the opportunity of improving his track record when he perished in a light aircraft accident near Sao Paulo in March 1977.

But his legacy lived on when the Interlagos track was renamed Autodromo José Carlos Pace in his honour.

©TheCahierArchive

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.

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