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.

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