[Bob Tanner]

I heard on Sirius today that 72-year old James Hylton has talked RCR into loaning him a car and he will try to qualify for the Daytona 500.

He's passed the NASCAR physical and he has the experience, albeit a few years ago. My question is: Should NASCAR put an age limit on the drivers in its major series'? Keep in mind that there are currently a couple of septuagenarians competing in the NE modified circuit. Also remember that Hershel McGriff (a NASCAR legend) won a Winston West race in the last decade, at age 68.

IF he does make an attempt and makes it (I think the chances are slim-to-none), I'm sure it with be nothing but a "Start and Park" effort. But, is it safe for him to even start a race? What does it do to NASCAR image as a "True sport?"

Comments?

[LSC9901]

By all means there should be an age limit. Unfortunately there will always be someone out there who exceeds the qualifications when they are past their presumed prime. I've stated many times over that there are some drivers out there that do not compete well enough just because their reflexes are not the same as a Kasey Kahne. Ricky Rudd will be driving at age 50 this year and hasn't been racing for the past 12 months. Say what you will, but he just won't have all that it takes to beat the youing guns. At age 72 there is just no way this guy cannot help but be in the way. Mark my words right now that whoever is involved in the first incident will mention his name and how he shouldn't be out there at his age. Hopefully he just won't qualify well enough to get into the race.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I heard on Sirius today that 72-year old James Hylton has talked RCR into loaning him a car and he will try to qualify for the Daytona 500.

He's passed the NASCAR physical and he has the experience, albeit a few years ago. My question is: Should NASCAR put an age limit on the drivers in its major series'? Keep in mind that there are currently a couple of septuagenarians competing in the NE modified circuit. Also remember that Hershel McGriff (a NASCAR legend) won a Winston West race in the last decade, at age 68.

IF he does make an attempt and makes it (I think the chances are slim-to-none), I'm sure it with be nothing but a "Start and Park" effort. But, is it safe for him to even start a race? What does it do to NASCAR image as a "True sport?"

Comments?

Morgan Shepard is around the same age isn't he? Bob I think it depends on the persons ability. If the "Old Dog's" still have it, let them race. It's a rarity and it let's the fans see one of those that helped get the sport where it is today. That's if they are proven to be able to race without being a risk to themselves and those on the track. I think your right on the "Start and Park" theory. He'll try but it just won't work.