The 1996 Rio 400 was a CART race at the Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway.

On lap 11, Mark Blundell had a serious crash in turn 4, suffering a broken foot.

The race continued under yellow caution flags until lap 23, with Alex Zanardi leading from Greg Moore and André Ribeiro.

Moore had taken the lead, but retired with suspension problems on lap 115.

Ribeiro eventually won from Al Unser Jr. and Scott Pruett.