“King of Bristol” and NASCAR Hall of Fame member Darrell Waltrip stepping away from public life

NASCAR Hall of Fame member and Bristol legend Darrell Waltrip will be stepping away from public appearances and other events due to his current medical condition.

A report posted online Wednesday by FOX Sports’ NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass said Waltrip is having cognitive issues that impact his personality. A statement from the Waltrip family including Darrell’s wife Stevie said his condition could be medical issues related to CTE or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy—a condition that has been diagnosed in dozens of former football players due to head injuries they suffered during their career.

“We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell’s friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career. Recently, Darrell has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — likely from injuries incurred during his racing career,” the statement said.

“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!”

Waltrip, 79, was crowned the “King of Bristol” after winning 12 Cup Series races in Thunder Valley, including a streak of seven consecutive wins from 1981 to 1984—a mark that has yet to be met in any of NASCAR’s top divisions. Some of Waltrip’s victories were races ran with the Cup Series team of fellow legend Junior Johnson.

He ranks fifth all time in Cup Series victories with 84 in a career that started in 1972. Waltrip then transitioned to a broadcasting career when FOX Sports started their coverage of the sport in 2001. His first race was bittersweet as his younger brother Michael captured the Daytona 500 win while friend and Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt died from injuries sustained in a Turn 4 crash on the last lap.