Jo Bonnier: A true gentleman racer

Sweden's Jo Bonnier, who was born on this day in 1930, enjoyed a career in Formula 1 that started in 1958 and spanned over a decade.

While Bonnier only won a single Grand Prix - with BRM at Zandvoort in 1959 - during his time among motorsport's elite, he was anything but a journeyman.

He was however a gentleman-racer as measured by such a stature's true standards: worldly and refined off the track, fair and sportsmanlike on it.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to the sport was heading the GPDA's endless campaign for safety in the 1960s.

Tragically, Bonnier fell victim to the perils of the sport when he was killed at Le Mans in 1972.

In the picture here-above, Jo is seen being wheeled out onboard his McLaren M5A before the start of practice for the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 1968.

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.