Brown stacks up on excitement with 'The Batmobile’

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Zak Brown is racing this weekend at Sonoma Raceway in northern California where the McLaren boss is taking part - along with several other team papaya big guns - in the fourth edition of the Velocity Invitational, a heritage event that celebrates the finest of vintage motorsport.

Brown is seen here seated in his 1970 meticulously restored ex-Dan Gurney McLaren M8D Can-Am beast, which was aptly nicknamed “The Batmobile” back in the day.

The vintage racer showcases the iconic orange livery that harks back to McLaren's racing heritage, while behind Brown, the imposing injector stacks of the powerful Chevrolet engine stand tall, ready to unleash the thunderous roar of big-bore performance.

Brown's participation highlights his genuine enthusiasm for the timeless allure of historic racing machines, as he immerses himself in the visceral experience of piloting this legendary Can-Am car through the twists and turns of a bygone era.

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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.