Up close and personal with Courage!

We can assure everyone that no photographer was harmed in the making of this outstanding shot!

But the daring artist from LAT who took this vintage picture - whoever that may have been - must surely have felt his heart rate rev-up as he watched the action in the opening stages of the the 1969 British Grand Prix through his telephoto lens.

It was Piers Courage drifting his Brabham throuh Copse Corner while chased the Lotus of Graham Hill and Brabham's Jacky Ickx.

What an incredible picture!

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.