90-year-old Hershel McGriff becomes oldest person to race in NASCAR event
Hershel McGriff made history at a K&N Pro Series West event in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday night, becoming the oldest person to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at the age of 90.
Before hitting the track, McGriff performed the national anthem on his trombone.
Hershel McGriff playing the national anthem on his trombone before his race. McGriff told me that playing his trombone was the only thing he was nervous about. https://t.co/adZ2kKiIPy pic.twitter.com/SMNWclCDtK
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) May 6, 2018
McGriff's son and crew chief, Hershel Jr., and his granddaughter, Mariah, also competed at Tucson Speedway in separate races Saturday, according to Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star.
"I've had a great life. I wouldn't backtrack for anything," McGriff, whose racing career dates back to 1950, told Spears. "I have family that's with me and behind me, so it's great."