Infineon Raceway is one of two road courses to hold NASCAR races, the other being Watkins Glen International. The standard road course at Infineon Raceway is a 12-turn course that is 2.52 miles (4.06 km) long;[2] the track was modified in 1998, adding the Chute, which bypassed turns 5 and 6, shortening the course to 1.95 miles (3.14 km). The Chute was only used for NASCAR events such as this race, and was criticized by many drivers, who preferred the full layout.[3] In 2001, it was replaced with a 70-degree turn, 4A, bringing the track to its current dimensions of 1.99 miles (3.20 km).[4]
The first practice would occur on Friday, June 25, at 11:20 AM PST, and would last for two hours.[5]Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:15.363 and an average speed of 95.060 miles per hour (152.984 km/h).[6]
The second practice would occur on Saturday, June 26, at 9:30 AM PST and would last for 45 minutes.[5]Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:15.867 and an average speed of 94.428 miles per hour (151.967 km/h).[7]
The third and final practice session, sometimes referred to as Happy Hour, would occur on Saturday, June 26, at 11:10 AM PST and would last for 45 minutes.[5]Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 1:16.066 and an average speed of 94.181 miles per hour (151.570 km/h).[8]
Qualifying was held on Friday, June 25, at 3:10 PM PST. Drivers would each have one lap to set a lap time.[5] Positions 1-38 would be decided on time, while positions 39-43 would be based on provisionals. Four spots are awarded by the use of provisionals based on owner's points. The fifth is awarded to a past champion who has not otherwise qualified for the race. If no past champ needs the provisional, the next team in the owner points will be awarded a provisional.[9]
Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports would win the pole, setting a new track record with a lap of 1:15.968 and an average speed of 94.303 miles per hour (151.766 km/h).[10]
Multiple drivers would suffer incidents that would considerably slow down their lap times or make them not set a lap. Michael Waltrip would report smoke and blow an engine coming into Turn 7 on his lap. Scott Riggs would spin, but still complete his lap. Ricky Craven would spin in Turn 10 [11]
_with_emphasis_on_NASCAR_track.png)
