Riverview Favorite Darrell Waltrip, 79, Steps Away from Public Life Due to Health Concerns

NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, 79, will step away from public life due to health concerns, his family announced on Wednesday. Waltrip received a diagnosis of frontotemporal degeneration, complicated by possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), believed to be linked to injuries from his racing career.

This news impacts Riverview residents who followed Waltrip's storied career or enjoyed his commentary. While he is stepping back from the public eye, his family emphasized that he is currently happy and healthy, experiencing only minor noticeable symptoms of the disease. The community will likely offer support to the racing icon and his family during this time.

Waltrip's career includes three Cup championships and 84 wins on NASCAR's main circuit, placing him in a fourth-place tie with Bobby Allison. His major victories include the 1989 Daytona 500, the 1992 Southern 500, and five Coca-Cola 600 wins in Charlotte. He was also twice voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver in 1989 and 1990.

Beyond his driving achievements, Waltrip became a familiar voice to many as Fox Sports’ first NASCAR hire in 2001. He was known for his enthusiastic commentary and signature 'Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!' call. His family's statement, released on Wednesday, indicated his decision to step away from the limelight to spend time with his wife, two daughters, and three young grandchildren.