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NASCAR Legend Waltrip Diagnosed With FTD, CTE
24 Sep
Summary
- Waltrip diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration and possible CTE.
- Diagnosed with FTD complicated by possible CTE from racing.
- Hall of Fame driver stepping away from public life.
Hall of Fame NASCAR driver and former broadcaster Darrell Waltrip, 79, is stepping away from public life after being diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). His family announced the diagnosis on Wednesday, stating it is likely a result of head injuries sustained during his racing career, which spanned from 1972 to 2000.
Waltrip, a three-time Winston Cup Series champion and winner of 84 races, is known for his charismatic personality and successful broadcasting career with FOX from 2001 to 2019. Despite the diagnosis, his family assures that he is otherwise healthy and spending time with loved ones. CTE is a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, typically diagnosed post-mortem.
Waltrip's career highlights include winning the 1989 Daytona 500 and being named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. His iconic catchphrase, "Boogity, boogity, boogity, let's go racing boys!" became synonymous with race broadcasts.
