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NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Darrell Waltrip will step away from public life after he was recently diagnosed with two progressive brain diseases. Waltrip, 79, shared his health update in a statement released by his family on Wednesday. “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 reads. “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 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 time with his wife, Steve, two daughters and his three young grandchildren. We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support! “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Darrell, Stevie and Family.” Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive brain disease that can affect behavior, movement and ability to speak and understand others, according to the Cleveland Clinic . CTE is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head injuries, according to the Clinic . Waltrip ranks fifth in NASCAR history with 84 Series wins and fifth with 59 poles.
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NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Darrell Waltrip will step away from public life after he was recently diagnosed with two progressive brain diseases. Waltrip, 79, shared his health update in a statement released by his family on Wednesday. “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 reads. “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 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 time with his wife, Steve, two daughters and his three young grandchildren. We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support! “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Darrell, Stevie and Family.” Frontotemporal dementia is a progressive brain disease that can affect behavior, movement and ability to speak and understand others, according to the Cleveland Clinic . CTE is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head injuries, according to the Clinic . Waltrip ranks fifth in NASCAR history with 84 Series wins and fifth with 59 poles.
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