81-year-old is oldest to drive in NASCAR event

PORTLAND, Oregon: Ever the gentleman, Hershel McGriff was good-natured about finishing 13th in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at age 81.

"My competition was faster," he deadpanned.

Although he certainly would have taken a victory, McGriff seemed nevertheless pleased with his showing on the road course at Portland International Raceway, part of the NASCAR Camping World West Series.