Herta blitzes the field in St Pete for fourth IndyCar win

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Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta never put a wheel wrong in St. Petersburg on Sunday, clinching in Florida his fourth career win in IndyCar and his first on a street circuit.

Herta was in a league of his own in the second round of the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series, leading from pole from the outset and trouncing his rivals, including Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud who finished behind the dominant 21-year-old.

Herta was guided through downtown St. Pete and on to victory lane on Sunday by a familiar voice, his father Bryan, whose own IndyCar tally of four wins was duly matched by his son.

"Growing up I had a lot of arrogance and I didn't want to hear anything that my dad had to say,'' Colton said. "And then I realized -- bigger, faster cars -- I learned more about the sport and I was like 'Hey, he actually knows what he's talking about.'''

"I tied him for wins today, too, and I just love having him on my radio!"

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.