Though Greg Sacks was the fastest qualifier, he had to start 26th due to not being a first day qualifier, and the pole position was instead given to Sacks' teammate, fellow Felix Sabates driver Joe Nemechek, who ran with an average speed of 183.015 miles per hour (294.534 km/h).

The national anthem was performed by 20th Century Fox Records recording artists Ambrosia, NAPA vice president Wayne Wells gave the command for drivers to start their engines, and track executive Les Richter was the grand marshal.

Ricky Rudd, Ted Musgrave, Jimmy Spencer and Bobby Labonte closed out the top five.

Bob Jenkins and 1973 Cup Series champion Benny Parsons called the race from the broadcast booth.

Jerry Punch, Bill Weber and Jack Arute handled pit road for the television side.