The 2001 Pontiac Excitement 400 was the 11th stock car race of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the 47th iteration of the event.

[3] Steve Park, driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 21.580 and an average speed of 125.116 miles per hour (201.355 km/h).

[4] The final practice session, sometimes referred to as Happy Hour, was held on Friday, May 4, at 5:50 PM EST.

[3] Jeff Gordon, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 22.114 and an average speed of 122.095 miles per hour (196.493 km/h).

[6] Mark Martin, driving for Roush Racing, would win the pole, setting a time of 21.667 and an average speed of 124.613 miles per hour (200.545 km/h).