However, this was not needed because Darrell Waltrip would clinch his first Winston Cup series championship at this race over Bobby Allison.

Dave Marcis finished the 1981 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season at Riverside in a Pontiac, after racing in a Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Dodge, and Chrysler throughout the year.

[2] Former Formula One racer Bob Bondurant would retire from the NASCAR Cup Series after this race with his best career finish of 18th place.

[2] Out of the entire 40-driver grid, 38 drivers were American while Roy Smith and Gary Kershaw were Canadians.

[2][6] Ricky Rudd would finish last with an engine problem on the second lap in his Buick; earning $6,150 in prize winnings ($20,611.05 when inflation is taken into effect).

[2] Notable crew chiefs for the race included Junie Donlavey, Joey Arrington, Elmo Langley, Jake Elder, Travis Carter, Waddell Wilson, Bud Moore, Tim Brewer, Kirk Shelmerdine, and Dale Inman.