Michael Waltrip has broken his silence about his brother Darrell Waltrip being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration.
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"Prayers the these two love birds. Stevie and the family will be by your side big bro. I love you," Michael posted on X on Sept. 24. He included a photo of his older brother and wife Stevie kissing next to a stock car. Michael stood next to them.
Prayers the these two love birds. Stevie and the family will be by your side big bro. I love you. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/n9uYGhK8MZ
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) September 24, 2026
Darrell and his family released a statement on Wednesday announcing the news. They said that he had been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and they noted that crashes during his NASCAR career likely played a role.
The family said that the disease will likely progress with time, but they noted that the Hall of Famer has dealt with minor symptoms thus far. Although they are noticeable enough that he will step away from the spotlight.
This news sparked an outpouring of support from the NASCAR community. Fans, media members, drivers, spotters, crew members, and team owners alike all weighed in while sharing their favorite memories of Darrell.
Michael joined this group while once again showing his bond with his older brother. This is a bond that they have displayed countless times throughout the decades, both on the track and away from it.
The older Waltrip started his Cup Series career in the early 1970s, but he shared the track with his brother for 15 years. Michael began competing at the top level of NASCAR in 1985, and he moved to full-time in 1986. He and Darrell competed against each other through the end of the 2000 season.
The bond did not end there, however, as both drivers eventually landed with Fox Sports. Darrell moved to the TV booth in 2001, and he helped call the Daytona 500 as Michael won. He remained in the booth through 2019.
The younger Waltrip moved to Fox in the early 2000s. He first joined the Truck Series coverage in 2004 before moving to the Cup Series in 2012. He provided updates from pit road, a role he continues to hold.
The Waltrip brothers Darrell and @MW55 are on the grid with @keselowski #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/IcEz7j2rZa
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 22, 2026
