The F1 world champion turned gentleman farmer

©The CahierArchive

Jody Scheckter, Formula 1's 1979 World Champion, celebrates his 74th birthday today!

The South African's F1 career started with McLaren in 1973 and unfolded over seven seasons, yielding 10 Grands Prix wins - with Wolf, Tyrrell and Ferrari - and a world title achieved with the Scuderia in 1979.

But Scheckter's life after F1 has been equally rewarding. Since 1996, the former F1 driver has run Laverstoke Park Farm, a very successful 2,500-acre organic/biodynamic farm in Hampshire.

And the estate has also been the home to Car Fest South, a fun filled festival full of mayhem, music and motor cars established by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans to raise money for the Children in Need charity.

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.