In the 1980s, race fans were introduced to tight racing, thrilling action and close finishes at #IMS. From Gordon Johncock’s close win in 1982 to Emerson Fittipaldi’s dramatic win in 1989, the #Indy500 lived up to its nickname as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” 1980s #IMSArchive: https://bit.ly/2MLsLPI | Indianapolis Motor Speedway

🏁🏎On May 30, 1982 at the 66th Indianapolis 500, Gordon Johncock, who had previously won the rain-shortened 1973 race, was the winner. Polesitter Rick Mears finished 2nd by a margin of 0.160 seconds, the closest finish in Indy 500 history to that point. In racing circles, the 1982 race is largely considered one of the best 500’s in history, although it was marred by the fatal crash of Gordon Smiley during time trials.🏎🏁 #Indy500 #Gordy | Davenport Sports Network

Gordon Johncock holds off Rick Mears to win the 1982 #Indy500 by 0.16 seconds. | INDYCAR on FOX

1982 | 10 laps to-go, 11 second lead. 1 lap to-go, wheel to wheel. Rick Mears chased down Gordon Johncock in one of the most intense battles in racing history! In an era of huge horsepower and newfound aerodynamics, close racing was rare. The stage was set for very dangerous business. At the time it was the closest finish in Indy history! Where does this moment in Indy history rank for you? #Indy500 | #Top10 | #ThisIsMay | #IMSMuseum | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Gerald “Raton Rick” Mears vs The Running Man! | Scarlet Mask Vigilance Society

🏁🏎On May 30, 1982 Gordon Johncock takes the lead at the 66th Indy 500 on the 160th lap, and with 15 laps left, it looks like he's going to be an easy winner after his last pit stop. But Rick Mears isn't about to let that happen. Trailing by 11½ seconds on lap 186, he reduces his deficit to a half-second by lap 199 and is battling Johncock wheel-to-wheel in the final miles. But Johncock holds off Mears' charge and wins by .16 of a second, the closest finish in Indy 500 history to that point. “O