--- title: "NASCAR Icon Darrell Waltrip Retires From Public Life Due to Brain Disease" date: "2026-09-24" modified: "2026-09-24" authors: - name: "Caleb Jacobs" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nascar-icon-darrell-waltrip-retires-from-public-life-due-to-brain-disease" categories: - "NASCAR" - "News" - "Racing" --- # NASCAR Icon Darrell Waltrip Retires From Public Life Due to Brain Disease ![DAYTONA, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Auto Racing: NASCAR Daytona 500, Closeup of Darrell Waltrip victorious after race, Daytona, FL 2/19/1989 (Photo by George Tiedemann/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X37832 TK4)]() *\George Tiedemann via Getty\* Whether you've enjoyed [NASCAR]() for a long time or a little bit—heck, even if you've only watched Disney Pixar's *[Cars]()*—you know Darrell Waltrip. He was a decorated driver who later coined the iconic "Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!" catchphrase that rang throughout America's homes for nearly two decades, thanks to his constant presence in the *Fox Sports* broadcast booth. Waltrip has accomplished a lot in his career, although that's only part of what makes this week's announcement so hard to hear: He's stepping away from public life due to a progressive brain disease. Waltrip and his family explained in a statement that he “has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)—likely from injuries incurred during his racing career.” Speaking of which, he raced from 1972 until 2000, during what many call stock car racing's heyday. He surely had his fair share of crashes during that time on his way to three NASCAR Cup championships. "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. We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love, and support!" ![RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: NASCAR racer Darrell Waltrip before the Winston Western 500 at California Speedway, November 17, 1985 in Riverside, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)]() **Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images** Waltrip is 79 years old now. He spent 18 years with *Fox Sports*, as he was the network's first hire when it began showing NASCAR races in 2001. It's not easy to find a more knowledgeable source than D.W., given his rank in the history books as the fifth-most-winning Cup driver ever—84 total victories, the official count reads, including the 1989 Daytona 500. Of course, focusing on racing only scratches the surface of Waltrip's life. He co-wrote a *New York Times* bestselling autobiography, *DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles*, with motorsports historian Jade Gurss. Waltrip is also known to enjoy country and gospel music, so you can pretty much bet he'll spend more time listening to those now. *Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com* ## Author Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]() [Twitter]()