The 1997 MBNA 400 was the 26th stock car race of the 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the 29th iteration of the event.

Depending on fuel mileage, Roush Racing driver Mark Martin would manage to save enough fuel to secure his 22nd career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory and his fourth and final victory of the season.

In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosted USAC and the NTT IndyCar Series.

If no past champion needs the provisional, the field would be limited to 42 cars.

Mark Martin, driving for Roush Racing, would win the pole, setting a time of 23.679 and an average speed of 152.033 miles per hour (244.673 km/h).