Hershel McGriff in Motorsports Hall of Fame

We learned with great pleasure that Hershel McGriff is now a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The induction ceremony was held on August 17th, 2006 in Novi, Michigan.

Attending were such greats as Bobby Unser, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and Junior Johnson.

Having set many records, like wining the first Carrera Panamericana in 1950 and the Winston West Championship in 1986, and raced twice in the 24 hours of Le Mans, Hershel has lived in Motorsports through more decades than even the toughest Diesel engine would last. During the ceremony, Hershel McGriff announced that he would go out on a short track for his 80s birthday, in two years from now. Hmm, we may have a better suggestion for a place to race in 2008 !

Comments

[Dick]

Thanks to Christophe for putting the Motor Sports Hall of Fame article on the web site. Having worked for Hershel and knowing the man that is behind all of the glitz and glamour, I am so pleased that he has gotten the highest honor in motor sports. It could not have gone to a more deserving person than Hershel McGriff, he is truly a motor sports icon. Congratulations my friend, you deserve it !

[LARRY MENNIE]

HAVING ATTENDED RIVERSIDE INT. RACEWAY STARTING AT THE AGE OF 8, I STILL HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF OUR GREAT WEST COAST DRIVERS. I JUST LOOKED AT AN OLD PROGRAM WHERE MR. MCGRIFF WAS GRAND MARSHALL IN 1987, HE IS A TRUE MOTORSPORTS HERO. THANK YOU....LARRY (NOW LIVING IN BEAUTIFUL OREGON!)

[Dennis Garrett]

In 1954, Hershel McGriff won total of 4 Grand National Cup races, driving Frank Christian's #14 Oldsmobile.
#1. Grand National race number 29 of 37
August 22, 1954 at Bay Meadows Speedway, San Mateo, CA
250 laps on a 1.000 mile dirt track (250.0 miles) Time of race: 3:50:48
Average Speed: 64.71 mph
Pole Speed: 75.566 mph Cautions: n/a
Margin of Victory: n/a
Attendance: 10,000
#2. Grand National race number 32 of 37
September 12, 1954 at Central City Speedway, Macon, GA
200 laps on a .500 mile dirt track (100.0 miles) Time of race: 1:58:45
Average Speed: 50.536 mph
Pole Speed: 56.907 mph Cautions: 3
Margin of Victory: 25 sec
Attendance: 8,000
#3. Grand National race number 33 of 37
September 24, 1954 at Southern States Fairgrounds, Charlotte, NC
200 laps on a .500 mile dirt track (100.0 miles) Time of race: 1:52:51
Average Speed: 53.167 mph
Pole Speed: 54.054 mph Cautions: n/a
Margin of Victory: n/a
Attendance: n/a
#4. Grand National race number 37 of 37
October 24, 1954 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro, NC
160 laps* on a .625 mile dirt track (100.0 miles) Time of race: 1:30:20
Average Speed: 65.175 mph
Pole Speed: 77.612 mph Cautions: 4
Margin of Victory: n/a
Attendance: 8,500
At end of 1954 season, car owner Carl Kiekhaefer,who was looking for race drivers to drive his Mercury Outboards sponsor Chrysler 300 race cars for the upcoming 1955 race season.
NASCAR's Big Bill France Sr., first suggested race driver Hershel McGriff to drive for car owner Carl Kiekhaefer, but Hershel McGriff turned the racing job down and retired from racing after 1954 season, to spend more time with his young family.
Second choice for the job was race driver Tim Flock, who would later win 18 Grand National races in 1955 and 3 Grand National races in 1956, was crowned the NASCAR's 1955 Grand National Cup Champion driving Carl Kiekhaefer's Chrysler 300 race cars.
Lord knows how many NASCAR races or Nascar championships, Hershel McGriff would have won, if he had taken the race driver Tim Flock's ride in 1955 and 1956?
Sincerely yours,
Dennis Garrett
Richmond, Va.23225 USA

[Dick Pierson]

Dennis,

Thanks for all of the information on Hershel. This just points out what kind of a person he really is and always has been, a true Champion that decided that family was more important than his fame and fortune. As it worked out Hershel became a successful business person and as a result a very famous West Coast racer and perhaps one of the most respected members of the auto racing community. He has truly been a model for me to follow in my life. I consider myself very lucky to have the opportuity to work for Hershel and be involved in, and witness, his success. Thanks again for your post, it was fun to read.

Dick

[marty schneider]

I am writing an article about the Carrera Panamerican and am trying to contact Herschel McGriff.Please advise w/contact info.thx,Marty Schneider Carrera '01,'03,'06.