When you think of a NASCAR driver, you probably picture some 20-something kid with perfect hair and a neon-colored firesuit. Honestly, that’s the modern reality. The sport has skewed younger and younger, with teenagers now jumping into 700-horsepower machines before they can legally buy a beer. But stock car racing has a much grittier, grey-haired history that most casual fans completely overlook.
The question of who was the oldest NASCAR driver isn't as simple as one name on a trophy. It depends on what you mean by "NASCAR." Are we talking about the elite Cup Series? Or are we counting every sanctioned race from the local short tracks to the regional tours?
The answers are actually pretty wild. You have legends who raced into their 70s and one specific Hall of Famer who climbed into a cockpit at an age when most people are more worried about their orthopedic shoes than their lap times.
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The Absolute Legend: Hershel McGriff
If we are talking about the sheer age of a human being in a NASCAR-sanctioned event, the conversation begins and ends with Hershel McGriff.
Most people don't realize that McGriff’s career didn't just span decades; it spanned eras. He actually competed in the very first Southern 500 at Darlington in 1950. Think about that. He was racing against guys who drove their cars to the track, raced them, and then tried to drive them home.
Fast forward to 2018. McGriff entered a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race (now the ARCA Menards Series West) at Tucson Speedway. He was 90 years old.
90.
He didn't just show up for a ceremonial lap, either. He finished the race. While some might argue that a regional series isn't the "big leagues," it is a fully sanctioned NASCAR event. That makes him the oldest person to ever compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned race. It’s a record that will likely never be touched. To put it in perspective, he was older than the sport itself when he made that final start.
Who Was the Oldest NASCAR Driver in the Cup Series?
Now, if you’re a purist who only cares about the top tier—the Cup Series—the name you need to know is Morgan Shepherd.
Morgan is a character. You’ve probably seen the videos of him roller-skating through the garage area in his 70s. He had this incredible, defying-gravity energy about him. While many drivers retire in their late 40s because the physical toll is too much, Shepherd just kept going.
In 2014, at the age of 72 years, 9 months, and 1 day, Morgan Shepherd started the Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
He wasn't in a top-tier car, sure. He was mostly "start and parking" or running at the back to keep his small team alive. But he qualified. He took the green flag. He raced against guys like Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano who were young enough to be his grandsons. It was a feat of pure endurance.
Why James Hylton Matters Too
You can't talk about age in NASCAR without mentioning James Hylton. He was the ultimate "independent." For decades, Hylton ran his own team on a shoestring budget, often finishing in the top ten in points despite having zero factory support.
Hylton actually attempted to qualify for the Daytona 500 in 2007 when he was 72. He didn't make the show that year, but he continued racing in the ARCA series until he was 79. He remains one of the most respected "old guard" figures in the garage because he lived for the sport.
Winning vs. Just Showing Up
It’s one thing to start a race at 70; it’s another thing entirely to win one.
The "Oldest Winner" category is dominated by "Handsome" Harry Gant. In 1992, Gant won at Michigan International Speedway at the age of 52 years and 219 days.
The 1991 season was even more legendary for him. He earned the nickname "Mr. September" because he won four consecutive Cup races at age 51. Usually, by 51, a driver's reflexes are supposed to be shot. Gant proved that smooth driving and taking care of your equipment could beat youthful aggression any day of the week.
Other notable "old" winners include:
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- Bobby Allison: Won the 1988 Daytona 500 at age 50 (beating his own son, Davey, in the process).
- Mark Martin: Won five races in 2009 at age 50, nearly winning the entire championship against Jimmie Johnson.
- Dale Earnhardt: His final win at Talladega in 2000 came when he was 49.
The Daytona 500 Age Gap
The Daytona 500 is the most grueling race of the year. The speeds are insane, and the mental drain of pack racing is exhausting.
The record for the oldest driver to start the Daytona 500 belongs to Mark Thompson. In 2018, Thompson finished 22nd at the age of 66. He actually beat the previous record held by Dave Marcis, who was 60 during his final Daytona 500 start in 2002.
Marcis is a legend for a different reason: he used to race in wingtip shoes. Seriously. He claimed they felt better on the pedals than racing boots. When you're 60 years old and driving at 190 mph, I guess you wear whatever makes you comfortable.
The Evolution of Longevity
Why don't we see 60-year-olds in the Cup Series anymore?
It’s basically down to the science of the sport now. Back in the day, cars had softer suspensions and the racing was more about "saving the car." You could be a smart old veteran and win by outthinking the kids.
Today, the cars are incredibly rigid. The G-forces are higher. The simulation work required during the week is a 60-hour-a-week grind. Most drivers now are physically and mentally burned out by 45. Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon both retired while they were still very competitive because the lifestyle is just too demanding.
Also, sponsorship. Companies want "youthful" brand ambassadors. It’s harder to sell an energy drink using a guy who qualifies for a senior discount.
Actionable Insights for Racing Fans
If you're fascinated by the history of the oldest NASCAR driver and want to see how the "old guys" still stack up today, here is how you can dive deeper:
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- Watch the CARS Tour or SRX: While SRX is currently on hiatus, these types of series often feature retired Cup legends like Ken Schrader (who is still winning dirt races in his late 60s) and Bill Elliott.
- Research the "Independent" Era: Look up the careers of Dave Marcis, James Hylton, and J.D. McDuffie. These men weren't just drivers; they were mechanics who kept the sport's blue-collar spirit alive long after it became a multi-billion dollar business.
- Check Out ARCA West: If you want to see the next Hershel McGriff, keep an eye on the regional ARCA series. You'll often find older "hobbyist" racers competing alongside 15-year-old prospects, creating a bizarre but fun dynamic on the track.
- Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame: If you're ever in Charlotte, go see the Hershel McGriff exhibit. Seeing the equipment he used in 1950 compared to 2018 really puts his 90-year-old feat into perspective.
The reality of NASCAR is that while the kids get the headlines, the "old men" provided the backbone of the sport for over half a century. Whether it's Harry Gant winning at 52 or Hershel McGriff taking a green flag at 90, these records remind us that racing isn't just about fast reflexes—it's about a refusal to quit.