In the final laps of the race, Morgan–McClure Motorsports driver Ernie Irvan would manage to make a late-race pass for the lead with eight to go, coming back from an early penalty to take his fourth career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory and his first victory of the season.

Sears Point Raceway at the time was one of two road courses to hold NASCAR races, the other being Watkins Glen International.

The Chute was only used for NASCAR events such as this race, and was criticized by many drivers, who preferred the full layout.

For this specific race, positions 26-40 would be decided on time,[6] and depending on who needed it, a select amount of positions were given to cars who had not otherwise qualified but were high enough in owner's points; which was one for cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and two extra provisionals for the NASCAR Winston West Series.

Ricky Rudd, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, would win the pole, setting a time of 1:39.709 and an average speed of 90.985 miles per hour (146.426 km/h) in the first round.