Race and classic pictures

When Bernie's lost bet was Reutemann's first win

Yesterday, we chronicled Carlos Reutemann's sensational Grand Prix debut at his home race in 1972, but there's also an interesting backstory linked to the great Argentinean driver's first win in F1, involving then Brabham owner Bernie Ecclestone.

Few are those who have been successful in betting against Mr. E.

That year however, Texaco marketing boss John Goossens challenged the Brabham boss to a game of poker, poolside at the Kyalami Ranch, on the eve of the South African Grand Prix, round 3 of the 1974 F1 World Championship.

The two men agreed that playing for money was a rather vulgar and trivial affair, so they chose another form of loot. At stake was some prominent advertising space on Carlos Reutemann's immaculate white Brabham BT44.

If Bernie won, Texaco would pay the team owner $3,000 in sponsorship money, an amount these days that would hardly cover the cost of a tiny tyre sensor. But if he lost, Texaco would get the space on the Brabham free of charge.

Goossens skillfully played his hand – and bluff – and put won over on Bernie.

Both parties were delighted with the outcome however as an imperial Reutemann won the race the following day!

©GrandPrixPhoto

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.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

7 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

9 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

10 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

11 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

12 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

13 hours ago