[7] Rusty Wallace of Penske-Kranefuss Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 28.806 and an average speed of 132.222 mph (212.791 km/h).

While the cause of the crash is widely believed to be a stuck throttle on Irwin's car, the local police department, led by police chief Robert Fiske, report that they could not hold a proper investigation due to both NASCAR and New Hampshire International Raceway president Bob Bahre continuing the scheduled pre-race activities.

Fiske reported that if NASCAR had called the police earlier, they could have found out the exact cause, saying "I think there would be a good possibility, particularly because of the witnesses that we would have been able to gain.

"[10] After the crash, NASCAR was criticized for its lack of urgency in safety, with another similar incident happening two months before at the same track with Adam Petty.

However, NASCAR would still be criticized for its lack of urgency even after the implemented kill switch, with the deaths of Tony Roper, Dale Earnhardt, and Blaise Alexander, all caused by basilar skull fractures finally convincing NASCAR to implement stricter safety measures.

[7] Scott Pruett of PPI Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 29.242 and an average speed of 130.251 mph (209.619 km/h).

[14] The third and final practice session, sometimes referred to as Happy Hour, was held on Saturday, July 8, at 1:30 PM EST.

[7] Kenny Wallace of Andy Petree Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 29.386 and an average speed of 129.612 mph (208.590 km/h).

[16] Rusty Wallace of Penske-Kranefuss Racing would win the pole, setting a time of 28.835 and an average speed of 132.089 miles per hour (212.577 km/h).