This situation makes it very challenging for the crews to set up their cars' handling in a way that will be effective at both ends.

[3] Darlington has something of a legendary quality among drivers and older fans; this is probably due to its long track length relative to other NASCAR speedways of its era and hence the first venue where many of them became cognizant of the truly high speeds that stock cars could achieve on a long track.

Drivers hitting the wall are considered to have received their "Darlington Stripe" thanks to the missing paint on the right side of the car.

[4] The media was displeased with the treatment that they received from NASCAR after a crash by Earl Balmer almost wiped out the press box.

As a result, they petitioned the president of the track, Bob Colvin, threatening not to be responsible for any loss of life should another terminal crash injure or kill a member of the media.

[5] LeeRoy Yarbrough won the pole position with a qualifying speed of 140.058 miles per hour (225.402 km/h).

Earl Balmer's ride with the guardrail would result in his accident on lap 185; where he would end up with a 30th-place finish.

[2] Notable crew chiefs to participate in the race were Harry Hyde, Bud Hartje, Dale Inman, Frankie Scott, Shorty Johns, and Herman Beam.