Hershel McGriff, 90, becomes oldest to compete in NASCAR-sanctioned race

Bob Velin | USA TODAY

Hershel McGriff became the oldest racer to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned event on Saturday when he drove in the K&N Pro Series West event at Tucson Speedway at the age of 90.

McGriff finished 18th and last in the Port of Tucson Twin 100, the first race of the night on the 0.375-mile asphalt oval, driving a Toyota for Bill McAnally Racing. McGriff was still running at the end of the 100-lap race, and finished 94 laps.

McGriff's son Hershel Jr., 61, who also serves as his father's crew chief, and McGriff's granddaughter Mariah drove in separate races at the track. The K&N Series is generally a mix of young drivers and older veterans.

McGriff wasn't only entertaining on the track, but off as well. He kicked off the event by playing the national anthem on his trombone.

McGriff's most recent race in the K&N series came in 2012, when he finished 18th in a race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. He won four races in 1954 in what is now the NASCAR Cup Series, winning 35 times overall in the series, and in 1998 was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers.

"I've had a great life. I wouldn't backtrack for anything," McGriff told the Tucson Star. "I have family that's with me and behind me, so it's great."