Categories: Look backRace and classic pictures

One race too many

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Dick Seaman was leading the 1939 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa when he crashed into a tree in the heavy rain. Seaman's silver Mercedes W154, split in two, burst into flames and left the great British driver, who had won at the daunting Nürburgring a few months earlier, with no chance of survival. Had he made it, Seaman would have eventually lost his Mercedes drive when Great Britain declared war on Germany a few weeks later.

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.