PORTLAND, OR - JULY 19: Hershel McGriff (L) speaks with fans in the pit area before qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Series West BI-MART Salute to the Troops 125 at Portland International Raceway on July 19, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

90-year-old Hershel McGriff becomes oldest person to race in NASCAR event

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Steve Dykes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Hershel McGriff made history at a K&N Pro Series West event in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday night, becoming the oldest person to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned race at the age of 90.

Before hitting the track, McGriff performed the national anthem on his trombone.

McGriff's son and crew chief, Hershel Jr., and his granddaughter, Mariah, also competed at Tucson Speedway in separate races Saturday, according to Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star.

"I've had a great life. I wouldn't backtrack for anything," McGriff, whose racing career dates back to 1950, told Spears. "I have family that's with me and behind me, so it's great."

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