While the race was officially sanctioned by NASCAR, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) provided support for the event and foreign cars were allowed entry.

Hubert Schroeder, secretary of the FIG's sporting arm, served as overseer of the race.

The prospect of a NASCAR road race on the challenging new road course attracted particular interest, and due to this, it was attended by several racing executives: NASCAR's Bill France Sr., the United States Auto Club's Duane Carter, and the Sports Car Club of America's Jim Kimberly.

[1] NASCAR made the unusual decision to limit cars to only ten gallons of fuel at the start of the race.

[12] After the race, many notable observers praised the racers' handling of their vehicles considering the slick track conditions.

[1] As the race rounded the 100 mile mark, Panch remained in the lead with Speedy Thompson, Mundy, Flock, and Baker respectively following him.

[1][5] As the race reached its 200th mile, Thompson remained in the lead, with Flock, Billy Myers, Fireball Roberts, Paul Goldsmith, and Joe Eubanks respectively following him.

[7] The race would be the last of Flock's 39 career wins in the premier division of NASCAR (Grand National Series/NASCAR Cup Series).

[5] Flock's victory was a 17 second photo finish over fellow Stroppe racer Billy Myers.

[1] DePaolo drivers Junior Johnson and Bill Amick started the race at third and fourth.

Amick also suffered clutch problems and dropped out of the race in the tenth lap, placing second-to last.

[13][1] The DePaolo team also saw Curtis Turner crash out of the race in the 21st lap after suffering brake failure on the final corner, and ultimately placing third-to-last.

[13][1] DePaulo driver Ralph Moody fared the second-best among DePaolo racers, placing sixteenth, suffering rear-end damage and dropping out of the race in the 56th lap.