NASCAR star Ross Chastain reacts to Darrell Waltrip’s ‘sad’ frontotemporal degeneration diagnosis

NASCAR driver Ross Chastain said he was saddened by Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip’s diagnosis of frontotemporal degeneration, with possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Chastain said Waltrip had been a familiar figure throughout his life and that the racing community would support him.

Waltrip and his wife, Stevie, said the condition may be linked to injuries from his racing career and currently causes minor noticeable symptoms, though it is expected to progress. Waltrip is stepping back further from public life and spending time with his family; he retired from broadcasting in 2019 after 19 years. He was a three-time Cup Series champion, won the Daytona 500 and recorded 84 Cup Series victories, fifth-most in NASCAR history.