FILE - NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip poses on the red carpet prior to the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Darrell Waltrip, a NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer, is stepping back from public life due to a progressive brain disease.
Darrell Waltrip to step back
What we know:
Waltrip's family released a statement on Wednesday that noted the former driver was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) which has been complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
The family stated the CTE likely developed from injuries Waltrip incurred during his racing career.
What they're saying:
"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!"
What we don't know:
The family did not share the severity of Waltrip's diagnosis.
‘Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!'
The backstory:
Waltrip, now 79 years old, won three Cup titles and ranks fifth all time in Cup victories with 84 during a career that spanned from 1972-2000.
Waltrip was Fox Sports’ first hire when the network launched its NASCAR coverage in 2001 and became widely known for his signature "Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Let’s go racing, boys" call.
The fearless driver made his NASCAR debut in 1972 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
Rivals nicknamed him "Jaws" and Waltrip was at the forefront of parlaying his personality and fame into a lucrative side hustle of appearances, celebrity endorsing and, finally, the broadcast booth.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from reporting by FOX Sports and The Associated Press. This story was reported from San Jose.