NASCAR driving and broadcasting legend Darrell Waltrip is battling a brain disease and is stepping further away from public life, his family announced Wednesday.
The statement read, in part, “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.”
Waltrip, 79, competed in NASCAR’s top series from 1972 to 2000, earning 84 wins, which rank him fifth all time. He was the series champion in the then-Winston Cup in 1981, 1982, and 1985, and he won the 1989 Daytona 500.
During his 1981 and 1982 championship seasons, Waltrip won 12 races each year.
He captured the pole at 59 races and registered 390 top-10 results.
After his racing career ended, Waltrip transitioned to broadcasting, serving on Fox’s NASCAR coverage from 2001 to 19. His trademark phrase, “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Let’s go racing, boys!” provided an enthusiastic start to each race whenever he was in the announcing booth.
The statement about Waltrip’s condition concluded, “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!
“Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!”
