NASCAR history will be made this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, as Morgan Shepherd will become the oldest driver to compete in a Sprint Cup Series race.
Morgan Shepherd, 71, will become oldest driver to start Sprint Cup race
At age 71, Morgan Shepherd will become the oldest driver to start a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race when he takes the green flag this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
John Harrelson
At 71 years old, Shepherd will break the record previously held by Jim Fitzgerald, who at age 65 started the June 1987 Cup race at Riverside International Raceway.
Shepherd will be driving the No. 52 car fielded by Brian Keselowski Racing. Because there are only 43 entries, Shepherd will be guaranteed a starting spot in the Camping World RV Sales 301 barring any additions.
In a career that has spanned five decades, Shepherd’s last Cup start was in 2006, also at New Hampshire where he finished 42nd. He has competed in a total of 514 races, amassing four victories. His last win was at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1993.
James Hylton, 72, attempted to make the 2007 Daytona 500. He failed, however, after finishing 23rd in his qualifying race.
“This is truly a milestone, a great opportunity and I want to thank all who are involved to help make this happen,” Shepherd said in a statement.
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