INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — NTT IndyCar Series rookie Jacob Abel is attempting to make his first career Indianapolis 500 this month.
On Thursday, the Dale Coyne Racing driver unveiled the special Indy 500 livery he will sport on his No. 51 car.
His car will be sponsored by Miller High Life. In a sense, it is a throwback.
The livery honors Danny Sullivan’s 1985 Indy 500 victory. Sullivan’s car that year was also sponsored by Miller.
Sullivan won the 1985 Indy 500 in memorable fashion. After passing Mario Andretti for the on Lap 120 in the race, he had a complete 360-degree spin in between Turns 1 and 2, but avoided hitting the wall. He would go on to win the race. It is widely regarded as the “Spin and Win.”
“It looks awesome, right?” Abel said. “I think it turned out perfect. I think all it needs now is a spin out of turn three and win. Yeah, I think we could go without the spin. But, yeah, I’m really happy. I think it turned out fantastic.”
Abel and Sullivan share something in common as well. They are both Louisville, Ky. natives.
“It’s special for me to even be here trying to make the Indy 500 in the first place as a rookie,” Abel said. “This has been a lifelong dream of mine and to be here is so special. To be here with such a cool part of Indy 500 history alongside me with Miller High Life and the ‘Spin and Win’ livery is something that’s super cool and I can’t wait to get underway.”
Sullivan’s “Spin and Win” is also being honored on the Silver and Bronze Badges for this year’s Indy 500.
The first day of practice for the Indy 500 will be on Tuesday.
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