Mears Wins $1,219,704, Auto Racing’s Richest Prize

Rick Mears’ victory in the Indianapolis 500 was worth a record $1,219,704 from a purse of $7,009,150, the largest prize package in auto racing history, it was announced Monday.

Mears’ total exceeded the $1,090,940 by Arie Luyendyk last year. The purse topped the record of $6,325,803, also set one year ago.

Michael Andretti’s winnings for second place, 3.149 seconds behind Mears, totaled $607,753, a record for a non-winner. Luyendyk, who finished third, won $317,053.

Jeff Andretti, who finished 15th and was named rookie of the year, won $167,490.

Only minor changes were made in the posting of official results of the race on Monday morning.

Scott Brayton was credited with an additional lap, going to 146; Scott Goodyear lost two laps, going to 38; and Willy T. Ribbs lost one, going to five.

A one-lap penalty assessed Mario Andretti was upheld.

Also Monday, Kevin Cogan of Palos Verdes Estates was reported in satisfactory condition after surgery for injuries he sustained in the only serious crash of the Indianapolis 500.

Speedway spokesman Bill York said Cogan was “awake and alert” Monday after undergoing surgery Sunday for a broken upper right arm, right forearm and right thigh, sustained in a Lap-25 crash with Roberto Guerrero.