Shepherd To Make History at NHMS

If it seems like Morgan Shepherd has been around forever, well...

The 71-year-old Shepherd will pilot the Brian Keselowski Motorsports SupportMilitary.org No. 52 Toyota this weekend in New Hampshire, and he will become the oldest driver to start a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event when he takes the green flag on Sunday afternoon.

"This is truly a milestone, great opportunity and I thank all who are involved to help make this happen," Shepherd said in a statement on his web site, www.MorganShepherd.com. "My first Sprint Cup race since 2006. Will be good to be back for such a historical day. Plus I love racing at New Hampshire."

He would surpass Jim Fitzgerald as the oldest starter in a Cup race. Fitzgerald was 65 years, 6 months, 20 days when he ran at Riverside, Calif., in June 1987. He finished 17th. 

There are 43 cars listed on the preliminary entry list that NASCAR released Monday. Unless there are any additions, every car will make the field for Sunday's Camping World RV Sales 301. 

Shepherd last ran a Cup race in Sept. 2006 at New Hampshire, finishing 42nd. He's run in four Nationwide races this season with a best finish of 35th at Talladega and Kentucky.

(MRN contributed to this report)