On Sunday at Portland International Raceway Hershel McGriff became the oldest NASCAR driver after the 81 year old completed the Salute to the Troops 125 NASCAR Camping World Series West race.

Hershel qualified his Park Corporation Chevrolet on the pole, but was forced by NASCAR to start on the back row after changing his carburetor.

"We had to change it," said Hershel. "I didn't want to go out there and flop around. We didn't have time to repair it -- we'd already done that."

A native of Bridal Veil, Oregon, McGriff was able to shake the kinks out after a seven year break from the sport to finish 13th at the Oregon road course.

"Well, my competition went faster," McGriff said following the race. "This is my first race in seven years, so I'm a little rusty. Fortunately, the car ran good.”

Breaking his own record as the oldest driver, Hershel’s career has spanned over six decades. In 1954 Hershel was convinced by Brian France to compete full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series where he earned four victories. Hershel has also collected 37 triumphs in the West Series.

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