NASCAR Legend Darrell Waltrip Diagnosed With Progressive Brain Disease

NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip has been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration complicated by possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy, his family announced September 23rd.

Waltrip’s family said the possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy is believed to be linked to injuries sustained during his racing career. They said the progressive disease is currently causing only “minor noticeable symptoms” but that the 79-year-old will step further away from public life. The family added that Waltrip is otherwise healthy and spending time with his wife, Stevie, their two daughters and three grandchildren.

Waltrip won 84 NASCAR Cup Series races and championships in 1981, 1982 and 1985. He retired from racing after the 2000 season and became a longtime Fox Sports analyst before leaving broadcasting in 2019. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012. (FOX Sports)

More Posts