Which driver won the 1985 Indianapolis 500 after his famous 'spin and win'?

Danny Sullivan won the 1985 Indianapolis 500 after his famous “spin and win.” The victory became one of the most celebrated moments in Indy car history because Sullivan spun 360 degrees while battling Mario Andretti, avoided the wall, and continued racing.

The incident occurred on lap 120, when Sullivan passed Andretti for the lead in Turn 1. His car stepped out as he came off the apron and spun directly in front of Andretti. Andretti avoided the rotating car, while Sullivan kept the engine running—or recovered it almost instantly—and drove away without serious damage.

Sullivan later passed Andretti cleanly on lap 140 and went on to lead the final 61 laps. He won by 2.477 seconds over Andretti, securing his first and only Indianapolis 500 victory. The race was also his first Indy 500 win with Penske Racing.

The common mix-up is to associate the “spin and win” with the driver who avoided the spinning car. Andretti was the rival in the incident, but Sullivan was the driver who spun and still won. Rick Mears and Al Unser Jr. were future or past Indy winners, not the 1985 champion.