It was long known around the world as the home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix, which it hosted for twenty consecutive years (1961–1980), but the site has been home to road racing of nearly every class, including the World Sportscar Championship, Trans-Am, Can-Am, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the International Motor Sports Association and the IndyCar Series.

The circuit's current layout has more or less been the same since 1971, although a chicane was installed at the uphill Esses in 1975 to slow cars through these corners, where there was a fatality during practice at the 1973 United States Grand Prix.

[3] Ricky Rudd, driving for Robert Yates Racing, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:11.714 and an average speed of 122.989 miles per hour (197.932 km/h).

[3] Jeff Gordon, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:12.859 and an average speed of 121.056 miles per hour (194.821 km/h).

[3] Ron Fellows, driving for NEMCO Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:13.004 and an average speed of 120.815 miles per hour (194.433 km/h).

[7] Dale Jarrett, driving for Robert Yates Racing, would win the pole, setting a time of 1:11.884 and an average speed of 122.698 miles per hour (197.463 km/h).