NASCAR icon stepping away from spotlight after heartbreaking announcement

19:42 ET, Wed, Sep 23, 2026 Updated: 20:32 ET, Wed, Sep 23, 2026

NASCAR icon Darrell Waltrip was diagnosed with a progressive brain disease (Image: Getty)

NASCAR Class of 2012 inductee Darrell Waltrip is stepping away from the spotlight as his family says health is now the priority, following the announcement of the NASCAR legend and former FOX Sports analyst's recent diagnosis.

Waltrip's family announced that the NASCAR icon was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. He is recognized as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history with three Cup championships.

The Brain Research Foundation describes the progressive disease as a form of dementia that differs from Alzheimer’s. His family said the possible CTE is believed to be linked to injuries sustained during his racing career.

The NASCAR icon's family also shared that Waltrip's condition is currently producing only minor noticeable symptoms. The BRF suggests that early symptoms typically include changes in behavior and judgment, as the disease targets brain regions that govern personality.

They reassured fans that the 79-year-old NASCAR icon is in excellent spirits, happy and healthy, as he enjoys life with his wife, Stevie, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.

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Darrell Waltrip's family has announced he has had a recent diagnosis of cognitive disease, which is causing some minor symptoms and will keep him away from the limelight. "Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy." ... Full statement:

"We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell's friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career," the family said in a statement. "Recently, Darrell has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) likely from injuries incurred during his racing career."

"While this disease will inevitably progress, thankfully it is currently limited to some minor noticeable symptoms. As a result, he will be stepping further away from the public limelight."

"Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy - spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and his three young grandchildren."

Waltrip worked as a FOX analyst from 2001 to 2019 (Image: Getty)

In addition to winning three Cup Series championships, Waltrip won 84 races in a career that made him one of the defining drivers of his era. He most famously piloted the No. 11 Budweiser/Mountain Dew Chevrolet for Junior Johnson & Associates, where he earned 43 of his wins.

Waltrip joined FOX's NASCAR coverage after retiring from full-time racing and spent 19 years in the booth for the network as the sport continued to evolve. Fans were pumped to see his surprise cameo during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington last March after he admitted to being "glad" that he retired from working in the broadcast booth.

The beloved NASCAR icon has shared unfiltered opinions with racing fans about his current views on racing compared to his Golden Era. He admitted to not being a fan of NASCAR's previous multi-round playoff format before switching to The Chase this season.