81-year-old McGriff qualifies for West Series race; oldest to drive in NASCAR series race

81-year-old qualifies for NASCAR West series race

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.