Hershel McGriff exhibited a competitive passion that lasted longer than any driver in NASCAR history.
Born: Dec. 14, 1927
Hometown: Bridal Veil, Oregon
Championship
Pro Series West: 1986
Pro Series West Stats
Competed: 1971-2012
Wins: 37
Poles: 43
His first race was the 1950 Southern 500, in the NASCAR premier series’ sophomore season, at the age of 22. His final NASCAR race was at Sonoma Raceway in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West – in 2012 at the age of 84.
In between: Greatness, and lots of it.
McGriff started 85 races in parts of 28 NASCAR premier series seasons, capturing four wins — all in 1954, when he finished sixth in championship points.
But in what is now known as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, McGriff displayed an excellence that made him one of the best drivers in series history.
RELATED: Hershel McGriff’s career stats | Members of the Hall of Fame
Competing in parts of 35 seasons, McGriff won 37 races, good for third on the all-time West Series wins list.
His signature year came in 1986 when he won the series title, part of a string of 10 consecutive seasons with finishes in the top 10 of championship points.
In 1998, McGriff was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.