Australia mints a coin honoring Sir Jack Brabham

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The Royal Australian Mint has honored Sir Jack Brabham's contribution to the motor racing industry with a special commemorative coin.

A little over fifty years since Brabham clinched the 1966 world title - the one and only driver to accomplish such an achievement driving a car of his own construction - the coin is stamped with a portrait of the F1 legend and his car, partly outlined with green and gold markings, the colors of Brabham's cars.

Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross MacDiarmid recalled Brabham's creative genius and his pioneering endeavors, like the development of the rear-engined Cooper which powered the Aussie to his first world driver's championship.

"Sir Jack Brabham was not only a superb racing car driver but he was also an innovative engineer and pioneer, paving the way forward for motorsports," said MacDiarmid.

"As we enter the 2017 Formula 1 season, this coin celebrates one of the world's motor racing greats and his remarkable achievements, on and off the track."

David Brabham, the youngest son of the three-time world champion, expressed his pride in seeing his father's outstanding life and achievements commemorated with the coin.

"To have our father recognised through a commemorative coin by an iconic national institution, the Royal Australian Mint, is really special and very important in carrying the Brabham legacy as my father's achievements are likely to never be repeated with today's technology replacing hands-on experience," he said.

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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.