On This Day The Unforgettable 1985 Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a revered temple of speed, is steeped in a rich tapestry of extraordinary racing tales. While the Indianapolis 500 has consistently delivered thrilling spectacles in recent memory, for this special installment of our “It’s Not Race Week” series, we journey back in time to revisit a truly iconic event that continues to captulate fans: the unforgettable 1985 Indianapolis 500. This race wasn’t just a contest of speed; it was a dramatic collision of generations, marked by a legendary moment that would forever etch itself into motorsport folklore.

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The 1985 CART IndyCar season represented a significant changing of the guard, a pivotal moment where racing legends faced fierce challenges from a burgeoning class of talent. Veterans like the reigning champion, the incomparable Mario Andretti, a titan of American and international motorsport, and the seasoned Al Unser Sr., found themselves battling against a new wave of ambitious stars. Among these rising talents were the formidable Danny Sullivan and the dynamic Al Unser Jr., both eager to make their mark on the premier open-wheel racing stage.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, hosting the pinnacle event of the season, became the ultimate arena for this generational showdown. The 1985 Indianapolis 500 saw the two sides converge in a gripping contest, most notably between the seasoned F1 champion, Mario Andretti, and the F1 ‘refugee’ turned IndyCar sensation, Danny Sullivan. Sullivan had endured a single, largely disappointing season in Formula 1 with Tyrrell in 1983. However, his transition to IndyCar proved to be a masterstroke. Quickly establishing himself as a formidable force, he secured a coveted Penske drive for his second year in the States, a move that would soon define his career.

The field that year was predominantly powered by Cosworth engines, a testament to their reliability and performance. Yet, defying expectations, it was the two Buick-powered entries of Pancho Carter and Scott Brayton that claimed the front row, showcasing a rare flash of alternative engineering prowess. While their pole positions were notable, the true narrative of the race would revolve less around engine types and more around the intense, personal duel between two other drivers: the unyielding Mario Andretti and the audacious Danny Sullivan.

The Stage is Set: The 1985 Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 is more than just a race; it’s a spectacle, a test of endurance, skill, and sheer nerve. The 1985 edition promised all of this and more, delivering a narrative arc filled with anticipation, drama, and an unforgettable climax. As the green flag dropped, the roar of the engines filled the air, and the 33-car field thundered into Turn 1, the collective breath of hundreds of thousands of spectators held captive by the unfolding drama. Andretti, with his vast experience and hunger for another Indy 500 victory – having only one to his name despite numerous dominant performances – was immediately a front-runner. Sullivan, equally determined, was right there with him, showcasing the aggressive yet precise driving style that had quickly made him a fan favorite.

Throughout the early and middle stages of the race, the lead exchanged hands multiple times. Pit stops became crucial, strategies were meticulously executed, and the constant threat of mechanical failure or a yellow flag loomed large. Andretti, ever the tactician, drove a measured yet relentless race, seemingly in control for significant portions. Sullivan, however, was not content to merely follow. He pushed his Penske PC-14 to its limits, constantly challenging Andretti for track position, demonstrating the youthful exuberance and raw talent that had earned him his esteemed seat.

As the race entered its crucial final phase, the tension was palpable. The two protagonists, Andretti and Sullivan, found themselves locked in a fierce, wheel-to-wheel battle for supremacy. Every lap saw them trading blows, each driver unwilling to concede an inch. The crowd was on its feet, sensing that a defining moment was imminent. It was a classic contest: the wily veteran against the audacious newcomer, each vying for the most coveted prize in American motorsport. The narrative had been building for the entire season, and now, at the biggest race of them all, it was coming to a dramatic head.

The Legendary “Spin and Win” Moment

Then, with just 20 laps remaining, the moment arrived that would forever define the 1985 Indianapolis 500. Danny Sullivan, executing a bold pass on Mario Andretti for the lead into Turn 1, suddenly lost control. His bright yellow Miller American Penske car snapped violently, spinning a full 360 degrees in front of Andretti, who miraculously managed to avoid contact. It was a heart-stopping, split-second incident that left commentators and fans alike stunned. In such a high-speed, unforgiving environment, a spin usually signals the end of a driver’s chances, if not their race entirely. Yet, against all odds, Sullivan’s car did not hit the wall. More remarkably, it somehow kept its engine running. With an incredible display of car control and sheer luck, Sullivan gathered it up, rejoining the race in second place, still behind Andretti, but incredibly, still in contention.

The “Spin and Win” was a testament to Sullivan’s presence of mind, the robust engineering of the Penske car, and perhaps, a touch of fate. The crowd erupted, a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration washing over the grandstands. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated racing drama, encapsulating everything thrilling and unpredictable about the Indy 500. Mario Andretti, having witnessed the improbable recovery in his rearview mirror, must have felt a mix of relief at avoiding a collision and renewed determination to hold off his miraculously recovered rival.

However, Sullivan, seemingly unfazed by his near-disaster, quickly regrouped. With an astonishing display of focus and resilience, he hunted Andretti down once more. Just four laps after his incredible spin, he completed what many thought impossible: he overtook Andretti again, cleanly this time, to reclaim the lead. From that point on, Danny Sullivan drove with renewed confidence, pulling away from the field to take the checkered flag and secure his first, and only, Indianapolis 500 victory. It was a triumph that not only showcased his driving prowess but also his mental fortitude under immense pressure. The “Spin and Win” became an instant classic, a story told and retold, cementing Sullivan’s place in the pantheon of Indy 500 legends.

You can relive every heart-pounding moment of the 1985 Indianapolis 500 below – or, if you’re eager to jump straight to the defining moment of peak drama, skip ahead to the one-and-a-quarter hour mark to witness the legendary “Spin and Win” for yourself.

It’s Not Race Week presents: 1985 Indianapolis 500 – The “Spin and Win”

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Unearthing Motorsport Gems with “It’s Not Race Week”

“It’s Not Race Week” is a new and exciting series brought to you by RaceFans, born from a desire to celebrate the rich history of motorsport and to fill the void created by the disruption to the 2020 racing season. Our mission is to promote and highlight great races from the past – the unforgettable classics, the hidden gems, and the dramatic showdowns that you might have missed the first time around or simply wish to revisit. In a time when live motorsport was paused, this series offered a valuable opportunity to connect with the sport’s incredible heritage, bringing fans closer to the moments that shaped racing history.

This initiative is just one of several new features we rolled out in response to the unprecedented hiatus in the 2020 motorsport season. We understood that fans were missing the thrill of race day, and “It’s Not Race Week” was our way of keeping the passion alive, offering curated content that educates, entertains, and inspires. Each installment delves into a specific race, providing context, recounting key moments, and often featuring full-race broadcasts or extended highlights, allowing both new and seasoned fans to experience these historical events firsthand.

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The global disruption to the motorsport calendar in 2020 had a profound effect on independent publications like RaceFans. Like many others in the industry, we faced unprecedented challenges, but also found new ways to engage with our dedicated readership. Our commitment to providing high-quality, independent motorsport journalism remained unwavering, and initiatives like “It’s Not Race Week” were crucial in keeping our community connected and entertained during a difficult period. Our editor shares more about this experience and expresses gratitude to our readers in the short video below:

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