NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip stunned the racing community on Sept. 23 when he announced that he would step away from public life due to being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).
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"We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell's friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career," the statement said in part.
"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."
DW, we love you. ❤️
We’re sending our thoughts and prayers to Darrell Waltrip and the entire Waltrip family. Darrell made his final NASCAR Cup Series start at EchoPark Speedway in the NAPA 500 on November 20, 2000.
We’re grateful to have been a part of such a special chapter in… pic.twitter.com/RzawnQJN8E— EchoPark Speedway (@EchoParkSpdwy) September 24, 2026
When members of the community saw the news, they immediately responded by showing their support for the Hall of Famer. Countless people on Twitter said that they are praying for Waltrip and his family.
Many others just took time to focus on their favorite memories of Waltrip. They remembered his biggest wins, his highlight-worthy calls for Fox Sports, and the way that he treated everyday people.
Darrell Waltrip made me better ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wvLLxxA5Cl
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) September 24, 2026
- "Kyle Busch, Dolly Parton and Darrell Waltrip all within months like I can't take it anymore," one person wrote on X. (Source)
- "Good Morning Family. No matter what happens in (NASCAR) on or off the track, When something happens to a comrade the sport and racing community surrounds them in a veil of love , respect and understanding. Prayers to Darrell Waltrip and his family, friends and hosts of fans," wrote NASCAR fan Kevin from VA. (Source)
Keeping Darrell and his family in my constant prayers. I love him so much. pic.twitter.com/py1VvMTY1u
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) September 24, 2026
- "Hearing something like this is like finding out Superman was injured," racer Brad Smith wrote. "No matter how you felt about him, Darrell Waltrip was an icon and revered by all of us in his generation & beyond. Our thoughts and prayers go out to he and his entire family & those close to him.... (Source)
- "They say never meet your heroes, but I met Darrell Waltrip several times as a kid and he was great. Always made me feel special. We're currently helping care for a family member with FTD and my heart goes out to Ol' DW, his family, and everyone impacted by this disease." (Source)
Best wishes to Darrell Waltrip. First driver I remember rooting for and I loved the 88 Gatorade car. pic.twitter.com/L49ttChDa1
— Jimmy Goodson (@JG41187) September 24, 2026
- "Sad to hear the news about Darrell Waltrip. I still to this day can't watch the start of a nascar race without thinking to myself "boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racin' boys!" Prayers for the Kentucky native and nascar legend. (Source)
- "Took last night to try and process the news... kind of knew it was coming anyways.... but The Darrell Waltrip news really got me. One of the great guys in NASCAR. Also brings back thoughts of if Dale Sr. was still with us..." (Source)
