Race and classic pictures

IndyCar royalty hold court at the Speedway

You're unlikely to find a more imperial, stately and successful trio of IndyCar veterans coming together to talk shop in the IndyCar paddock.

Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt and Rick Mears met up at the Speedway ahead of yesterday's Harvest Grand Prix for some banter and chitchat.

Between them, the three legends share nine wins in the Indy 500, with Foyt and Mears savouring the winner's milk four times each in Victory Lane.

And by the way, the first round of this weekend's Harvest GP double-header held on Indy's road course, which unusually took place on a Friday, was won by Penske's Josef Newgarden who reduced Scott Dixon's lead in the championship to 40 points with two races to go.

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.