The track is a Tri-oval and was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in the 1960s.

Talladega Superspeedway is the longest NASCAR oval with a length of 2.66 miles (4.28 km), and the track at its peak had a seating capacity of 175,000 spectators.

[2][6] It broke the previous qualifying record of 199.658 miles per hour (321.318 km/h) set in 1970 by Bobby Isaac.

[3][2][4] In the final laps before the checkered flag, the race became a battle between Benny Parsons, Darrell Waltrip, Terry Labonte and Kyle Petty.

Buddy Baker developed steering problems with his vehicle on lap 109; forcing his early exit from the race.

[3][2] One-time NASCAR driver L. W. Wright would race his only professional stock car event on this day.