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81-year-old qualifies for NASCAR West series race

(AP) – 1 day ago

PORTLAND, Ore. — 81-year-old Hershel McGriff has become the oldest driver to take part in a national NASCAR series race after qualifying for a Camping World West Series event at Portland International Raceway.

McGriff took part in Sunday's pre-race qualifying but made the race as one of 26 drivers competing for 28 spots in the field.

McGriff has not raced in a NASCAR series event since 2002.

In a career that has spanned six decades, he won four NASCAR Cup races, and 37 races on the West series.He is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

The Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops 125 at Portland's road course was scheduled later Sunday.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Go GRA! :gpower:

Michael Palero wrote:Go GRA! :gpower:

LOL

Michael Palero wrote:Go GRA! :gpower:

There should be an AARP discount, to compensate us for all the abuse we take

Umm...

"...as one of 26 drivers competing for 28 spots in the field."

Sounds to me like even Shhhnecker could've qualified!

Mike Simanyi wrote:Umm...

"...as one of 26 drivers competing for 28 spots in the field."

Sounds to me like even Shhhnecker could've qualified!

He finished 13th. fwiw

On the Portland road course, he probably considers 13th a major disappointment.

He was (is) a natural driver. He gave up a huge NASCAR career (an offer to drive for the dominate team of the day) to run West Coast only and be with his family and tend to a successful business. Now and then he'd step into a car an give the big boys a run for their money, especially on a road course. 4 cup wins as an afterthought.

Steve Ekstrand wrote:On the Portland road course, he probably considers 13th a major disappointment.

He was (is) a natural driver. He gave up a huge NASCAR career (an offer to drive for the dominate team of the day) to run West Coast only and be with his family and tend to a successful business. Now and then he'd step into a car an give the big boys a run for their money, especially on a road course. 4 cup wins as an afterthought.

Herschel McGriff...perfect name for a NASCAR driver!