The remainder of the race, following a long red-flag period, had little resemblance to typical restrictor plate racing as only two cars were within short distance at the checkered flag and only three finished on the lead lap.

Through their history, ARCA races held at the track carried the more attractive and marketable "500" distance, even if it meant "500 kilometers" instead of miles (a custom also used at Riverside and Phoenix).

They argued that kilometers are rarely used in the United States, noting that the track measurement itself was still advertised in miles.

In 2002, Aaron's assumed title sponsorship and returned the race to a 312-mile (≈500 kilometer) event.

The distance, advertised unequivocally in miles this time, was set to reflect the sponsor's slogan ("3 ways to buy, 12 reasons to shop at Aaron's").