Darrell Waltrip steps back from public life due to FTD diagnosis

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Darrell Waltrip's family announced that he has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).

Darrell Waltrip won three championships and 84 NASCAR Cup Series races before becoming just as well known for his work in the Fox broadcast booth.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and his family have shared a difficult health update, revealing the three-time Cup Series champion's diagnosis and why he will be stepping further away from public life.

NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip has been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration. His family says it's "possible" the three-time Cup champ has CTE.

Darrell Waltrip, who parlayed a Hall of Fame driving career in NASCAR into a long-time broadcasting stint at Fox Sports, has stepped away from public life due to a progressive brain disease.

Darrell Waltrip, who parlayed a Hall of Fame driving career in NASCAR into a long-time broadcasting stint at Fox Sports, has stepped away from public life due to a progressive brain disease. Waltrip and his family shared a statement on Wednesday that noted the former driver, “has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – likely from injuries incurred during his racing career.” The 79-year-old Waltrip was one of NASCAR’s storied characters, one of the first to build a brand around his supersized personality, and he served for decades as one of the sport’s strongest ambassadors.

NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip has been diagnosed Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), with his family announcing that he will be stepping further away from public life. He is 79 years old, and the family noted that the disease was likely complicated by CTE-related injuries from his racing career. "We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell's friends and fans who have supported him ...Keep reading