Green Valley's Hershel McGriff, 90, leaves it all on the racetrack one last time

Hundreds of people lined up on the track at Tucson Speedway on Saturday to get an autograph from longtime NASCAR driver Hershel McGriff. Tucson mayor Jonathan Rothschild took photos with him.

McGriff, 90, wasn't worried about his performance. After all, his berth in the  K&N Pro Series West race was a birthday present from a longtime friend. 

The national anthem was another story.  

Before McGriff, made racing history as the oldest driver in a NASCAR-sanctioned race, he played the national anthem on his trombone. 

Hershel McGriff playing the national anthem on his trombone before his race. McGriff told me that playing his trombone was the only thing he was nervous about. https://t.co/adZ2kKiIPy pic.twitter.com/SMNWclCDtK

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) May 6, 2018

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The longtime Green Valley resident competed in the first of two 100-lap races, and finished last. Colorado native and 17-year-old Kody Vanderwal won his first race in the K&N Pro Series.

In first race back since 2009, 90-year-old Hershel McGriff finishes last. Kody Vanderwal wins his first K&N Pro Series race. McGriff will race again at 9:30 pic.twitter.com/SlLtN9fAb2

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) May 6, 2018

McGriff's son and crew chief, Hershel Jr., and granddaughter, Mariah, also competed in separate races at Tucson Speedway. 

McGriff  leaves a career with 37 wins in 234 tries, which dates back to 1950.

 “I’ve had a great life. I wouldn’t backtrack for anything,” he said. “I have family that’s with me and behind me, so it’s great,” he said before the race.