McGriff makes history, starts NASCAR race at 81

Ever the gentleman, Hershel McGriff was good-natured about finishing 13th in a national NASCAR series 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 in the Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops 125 on the road course at Portland International Raceway, part of the NASCAR Camping World West Series. Jim Inglebright of Fairfield, Calif., won the race. McGriff was the defending champion in Portland winning the only other time the series — then known as Winston West — visited the track in 1986. McGriff, who last raced in 2002, broke his own record as the oldest driver. In a career that has spanned more than six decades, he has four NASCAR Cup series victories and 37 wins on the West series. He is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame. ESPN/AP