Last Thursday, Kennedy celebrated his 91st birthday, a lofty accomplisment in its own right. Just one day later, the longtime race driver was back on the tracks participating in a race at Mill Hall’s Clinton County Speedway, with the county’s racing community celebrating the special day right alongside him.

Following a series of sprint-car races, action paused as the racer was brought out to the middle of the track. Kennedy was then presented with a banner wishing him a happy 91st birthday, featuring dozens of signatures from fans in attendance.

Upon receiving his banner, Kennedy got to happily watch as most in attendance joined together to sing him ‘Happy Birthday.’ He raised his cowboy to the crowd in response, beaming with pride and happiness. Then, Kennedy answered a few questions and, to the delight of fans, serenaded the crowd with his signature yodel before exiting the track.

It was an exciting night for both himself and his fans, one which celebrated his many accomplishments.

HENRY HUBER/For the Express “Cowboy” Jim Kennedy holds a fan-signed banner wishing him a happy birthday at Clinton County Speedway on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Mill Hall.

As it stands, Kennedy is the oldest active racer in the United States, becoming one of two to still be racing at the age of 91. Red Farmer, who recently retired, holds the title of oldest racer to compete in a race at 92, a benchmark which Kennedy is vying to clear.

The Everett native began his racing career all the way back in 1958 with help and inspiration from his uncle, quickly falling in love with the sport and never looking back. He’s since gone on to compete in countless races across the state of Pennsylvania, not slowing down even after 67 years on the tracks.

“I’ve been on 31 different race tracks,” said Kennedy when discussing his racing career. “People would ask me what tracks were the best. I say I like every one of them. I wrote them down once but can’t find the paper.”

“Maybe I should say Clinton County,” he laughed.

Since achieving the first win of his career in 1969, Kennedy has gone on rack up feature victories. He’s taken first on multiple occasions in Clinton County, including at least two after surpassing the age of 80 – one in 2014 and another a few years later.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express “Cowboy” Jim Kennedy prepares to drive onto the race track during a sprint car race at Clinton County Speedway on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Mill Hall. Kennedy turned 91 on Thursday.

Other tracks he’s earned a win at include Bedford Speedway (2006), Path Valley Speedway (2006) and most notably, Port Royal in 2008. That latter race featured 29 racers, a factor that didn’t faze Kennedy as he went on to pull off the momentous victory at the age of 73.

“I started in seventh, was car No. 7 and ended up taking first,” said Kennedy on that race at Port Royal, beaming as he recalled the memory.

Kennedy still races regularly, handling much of the car prep himself and operating well within the high-speed fields. Rumblings online mention chopping wood as his secret to staying good enough physical and mental shape to handle that. And when asked about what keeps him competed, he also brought up his love for the sport.

“It’s all I think about,” expressed Kennedy.