The 1997 Goody's Headache Powder 500 was the 22nd stock car race of the 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the 37th iteration of the event.

In the final laps of the race, Robert Yates Racing driver Dale Jarrett would manage to take the lead with 30 laps to go and pull away to take his 12th career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory and his fourth of the season.

Despite its short length, Bristol is among the most popular tracks on the NASCAR schedule because of its distinct features, which include extraordinarily steep banking, an all concrete surface, two pit roads, and stadium-like seating.

Kenny Wallace, driving for FILMAR Racing, would win the pole, setting a time of 15.595 and an average speed of 123.039 miles per hour (198.012 km/h).

[4] Three drivers would fail to qualify: Morgan Shepherd, Robby Gordon, and Dave Marcis.