Two departure times provide more flexibility for fans who want to commute to the track on their bike on Race Day. Read More>
This partnership represents the first time a major athlete's sponsorship has been decided by a vote using blockchain technology. Read More>
e.l.f. is believed to be the first beauty brand to serve as a primary sponsor for an entry in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as Legge will drive the No. 51 e.l.f. Honda on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read More>
View images from the shortened first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
View images from the once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
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On this episode of Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles truly goes behind the bricks of the IMS Museum and checks in on the renovation progress. He also gets an exclusive look at the vision of the refreshed Museum, which opens a year from this week. The Museum is a separate entity from IMS and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Consider supporting the Museum by visiting imsmuseum.org Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi talks his chances to win "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" again, adjusting to Arrow McLaren, getting married over the offseason and so much more. Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, IMS President Doug Boles sits down with four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. The modern legend discusses his historic Drive for Five, his transition to an ownership role within Meyer Shank Racing, the loss of his dear friend Gil de Ferran, and more. Watch Video>
May 18, 2018 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Danny Sullivan led the last 61 laps of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 en route to his only victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” But Sullivan will be forever remembered for one lap, one moment, in which he took the lead for just a brief second before losing it.
Sullivan stalked leader Mario Andretti just past the halfway point of the race, trying to find the speed and the proper line to seize the top spot for the second time that day. Sullivan’s No. 5 Miller American March/Cosworth pulled to the inside and even with Andretti’s No. 3 Beatrice Foods Lola/Cosworth as the two cars crossed the Yard of Bricks to start Lap 120. The huge crowd roared in anticipation as two of the biggest stars of the day roared into Turn 1, with Sullivan dipping under the white line on the apron while Andretti hugged the racing groove. Sullivan cleared Andretti’s car and popped above the white line and into the racing groove exiting Turn 1.
Then one of the most memorable moments in Indianapolis 500 history unfolded in a split-second. Sullivan’s Team Penske car wiggled to the right in the short chute between Turns 1 and 2 and then did a complete 360-degree spin to the left, almost invisible in a huge cloud of tire smoke. In a combination of incredible driving skill and good fortune, Sullivan never made contact with the wall or with Andretti, who also put on a driving clinic to dive low and avoid Sullivan’s spinning car to regain the lead.
Sullivan collected himself and the car and drove to the pits behind Andretti, who also stopped. The Team Penske crew replaced Sullivan’s flat-spotted tires, and he returned to the race. Andretti regained the lead from Emerson Fittipaldi on Lap 122. But Sullivan passed Andretti – cleanly, this time – on Lap 140 and drove away to a 2.477-second victory over Andretti. The legend of the “Spin and Win” was forever etched into the rich lore of the Indianapolis 500.