Race and classic pictures

Alonso enjoys productive opening day at Indy

Fernando Alonso's opening day of practice for the Indy 500 was a far cry from the troubled roll-out he endured last year at the Speedway, the Arrow McLaren SP driver clocking in fifth fastest overall.

"I think we need to wait and see where we are on the speed of the pace of the car," Alonso said after Wednesday's practice.

"But, yeah, it makes a difference the team itself, how Arrow SP is well-prepared, the experience in the series. Is going to be a big difference compared to last year that we were not prepared enough for the challenge.

"I'm with reasonable confidence that there's going to be a good event for us. But we take it step by step. We know there are a lot of things to do from our side."

Andretti Autosport enjoyed a strong opening day, with three of its Honda-powered drivers among the top four, with James Hinchcliffe leading the field with an average speed of 224.526 mph, edging teammate Marco Andretti who clocked in at 224.345 mph.

Chip Ganassi racing's Scott Dixon was third while Andretti Ryan Hunter-Reay was fourth, just ahead of Alonso who at 223.238 mph was Chevy's fastest representative.

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.