The 1989 Daytona 500 winner has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), his family said in a statement first shared with FOX Sports on Wednesday.
The link the family drew was direct: the conditions are “likely from injuries incurred during his racing career,” Darrell Waltrip’s wife Stevie and their daughters wrote. His symptoms remain limited for now.
“While this disease will inevitably progress, thankfully, it is currently limited to some minor noticeable symptoms.”
“Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy, spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and his three young grandchildren.”
Read also: Kane has a plan for the NFL kicker idea, and it runs through MLS
The statement closed with Waltrip’s on-air signature: “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!”
What FTD is
FTD attacks the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and, unlike Alzheimer’s, it tends to hit personality, behaviour, language and movement before it hits memory. The disease drew wider public attention when actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with it in 2023.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration estimates that between 50,000 and 60,000 Americans are living with an FTD disorder. There is no approved treatment or cure, and life expectancy after diagnosis typically ranges from seven to 13 years.
A career that shaped a generation of NASCAR
Waltrip won three NASCAR Cup Series championships (1981, 1982, 1985) and finished his driving days with 84 Cup victories, fifth on the all-time list, from 809 starts, ninth all-time. His wins include the 1989 Daytona 500, the 1992 Southern 500 and a record five Coca-Cola 600 victories.
Read also: Russell makes bold Antonelli claim: 'He has the perfect style for these cars'
He retired from full-time racing after the 2000 season and moved to the broadcast booth, working as FOX Sports’ lead Cup Series analyst from the 2001 Daytona 500 through 2019, 19 straight seasons. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
Stepping back, not disappearing
“He will be stepping further away from the public limelight,” the family wrote, thanking Waltrip’s supporters for their “continued prayer, love and support.”
No schedule of remaining public appearances was released. The family said Waltrip is currently spending his time at home with Stevie, their two daughters and three young grandchildren.
Read also: Record revenues, rising debt: Man United's finances reveal a club pulling in opposite directions
Read also: Williamson pushes to throw out abuse lawsuit, calls relationship 'friends with benefits'
