The race began under cold and windy conditions that caused tire problems, which resulted in two accidents occurring immediately after pit stops.

Pole sitter Billy Boat did not stay up front very long; Jeff Ward quickly took charge until he began having engine problems and then Mark Dismore moved into the lead.

It was the first time an IRL car had been upside down during a live run, and the safety systems worked as planned: Guerrero walked away with minor injuries.

This race marked the first competition for the new Riley & Scott chassis, with Stan Wattles taking one to an eighth-place finish.

Eliseo Salazar took home his first IRL victory as Tony Stewart clinched the 1997 championship.