72 Year Old Nascar Driver???

[Joker]

No offense but this guy is nuts. He dont stand a chance in hell of making it in the field unless RCR or someone helps him out by giving him an engine that can qualify and I just dont see that happening.

NASCAR.COM - At 72, Hylton hits track to continue Daytona dream - Jan 15, 2007

 

[DrRocket]

I remember James Hylton from NASCAR's "good ole days." He was a good, capable driver that competetors had to take seriously, although he never was able to quite reach that top level in terms of equipment and teams. I thought this was a bit odd, and this has stirred talk amongst NASCAR officials that, like the FAA and its mandatory retirement age of 60, perhaps it's time for a cut off age for NASCAR drivers.

 

[MM]

it's hard for me to critcize a guy for chasing his dream. God Bless his spirit and passion

 

[Joker]

it's hard for me to critcize a guy for chasing his dream. God Bless his spirit and passion

True Mike but also look at the situation. If the guy crashes, he's a goner. Just the force from the seatbelts could kill him.

 

[Mooseman]

At least give the guy a chance , it wouldn't be the first time an older person has returned to a sport , look at Garlits and Chris Karamesines they didn't stop because of age , sure its a different sport but still . Don't judge a persons ability just because of their age.

 

[Bullard Anderson]

Wouldn't it be great to see Hylton make the Daytona 500 and have a few multi-millon dollar teams on the sideline? Yeah in a way it would, but I'm convinced if he made it, he'd be the first car out of the race with mechancial problems.

 

[Mike]

There will be a number of million dollar teams on the sidelines no matter what Hylton does Toyota comes to mind....

 

[Toejam]

There was a 71 year old who's driven 410 Sprintcars for 40 years. He had a bad crash in '03 which sidelined him for good, destroyed his car. But he was competitive, but that's not 190 MPH at Daytona either.

 

[Bullard Anderson]

There will be a number of million dollar teams on the sidelines no matter what Hylton does Toyota comes to mind....

Yeah Mike, I know this to be true!

 

[Joker]

There will be a number of million dollar teams on the sidelines no matter what Hylton does Toyota comes to mind....

Toyota is guaranteed to have atleast one in the field. Dale Jarrett can use a champions provisional. Speaking of Toyota, has anyone watched the series of Michael Waltrip Racing on tv? I did this past Saturday and it was pretty good. I think they will be ok. I dont think they will set the world on fire or anything but I think they will be ok.

 

[Mike]

DJ will get in the field as a past champion but none of the Toyota teams are what you'd call top flight.

 

[Bullard Anderson]

The restrictor plate animal is so different than the other tracks. I'm not pulling for Yoter's but I do think they will be better once they get to Vegas. I'm just happy I don't have to worry bout my boy Robby Gordon making the show! Solid!

 

[yoda]

True Mike but also look at the situation. If the guy crashes, he's a goner. Just the force from the seatbelts could kill him.

Man, don't let Karamesines hear you talkin like that... He'll come down and put an Old Man Whoopin' on your butt!!

 

[MM]

the greek is a special exception......i will venture that he is in better shape then 95% of the people on nitromater, including myself......i guess thats what a glass of Chivas Regal everyday for 50 years will get you!!

 

[BF]

True Mike but also look at the situation. If the guy crashes, he's a goner. Just the force from the seatbelts could kill him.

It's not like this guy hasn't driven for years. He made 16 ARCA races last year (including 2 races at Pocono and Talladega) and finished 18th in points. ARCA cars aren't that much slower that the cup cars at Dega. Chances are he won't make the field for the Daytona 500 but he should have the chance if the powers that be in NASCAR feel he isn't a danger to the other drivers. If by chance he did make it, I doubt he would have the stamina for 500 miles anyway.

 

[Mike]

He's is going to be in the best car he has ever had............

 

[__]

True Mike but also look at the situation. If the guy crashes, he's a goner. Just the force from the seatbelts could kill him.

Justin, no offense intended but you don't know James Hylton. Most 20somethings would be lucky if they were in as good as shape as James. Like Red Farmer, he's the real deal. A racer's racer. Don't know if his car will be good enough to get in the show - anything's possible in the twin 125s. I'd love to see him in the 500 though.

 

[Toejam]

Man, don't let Karamesines hear you talkin like that... He'll come down and put an Old Man Whoopin' on your butt!!

Driving a TF dragster for 5 secs. and driving a car around Daytona are completely different.

 

[Mike]

Been the slowest car in practice the past 2 days at 180 and change.

 

[Joker]

Guys, I have nothing against the man I just dont think its safe to be putting a 72 year old man in a 200 mph race car. If he makes the show he will have to spend 3 to 4 hours in a race car. I am just worried about his safety and everyone else's on the track as well. I wish him the best of luck. I dont think he will make it, and if he does somehow, then I think he wont last that many laps.