From team release

James Hylton, aged 74, the 1966 (yes, 1966!) Cup Series rookie of the year, will try to qualify for the 2009 Daytona 500 driving for EM Motorsports.

"Christmas has come early for me," said Hylton, 74. "I am thrilled to be able to fulfill the promise that I made to the fans in 2007 of returning for one more Daytona 500. My main goals are to become the oldest competitor to ever run the Daytona 500 and of course, win the race."

Hylton made a comeback run at Daytona in February, which was thwarted by a faulty clutch in a Gatorade 150 qualifying event.

Competing in his 50th year in NASCAR, Hylton ran full-time in the ARCA Series in 2008. He also qualified for the Nationwide Series race on July 4 at Daytona, and a age 73, set the record as the oldest driver to start a Nationwide Series event.

Hylton began his career as a mechanic for Rex White and crew chief Louis Clements in September 1959.


Photo Credit : jameshylton.com