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.

Heavy rain pelted the session, leaving only six teams making a lap as most felt that it wasn't worth the risk.

[2] Tyler Reddick of JR Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:38.533 and an average speed of 89.513 miles per hour (144.057 km/h).

[2] Mike Skeen of JD Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:32.240 and an average speed of 95.620 miles per hour (153.885 km/h).

[4] Joey Logano of Team Penske would win the pole, with a lap of 1:11.710 and an average speed of 122.995 miles per hour (197.941 km/h) in the second round.