Ross Chastain Expresses Sadness Over Darrell Waltrip's Diagnosis

NASCAR driver Ross Chastain has shared his reaction to the recent announcement of Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip's diagnosis of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), which is complicated by possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Waltrip and his family revealed the diagnosis last week. In a statement, they noted that while the disease will progress, Waltrip is currently experiencing only minor symptoms and remains happy and healthy, spending time with his family. The family expressed gratitude for continued prayers, love, and support.

Chastain, speaking in an interview on behalf of Busch Light, described the news as "sad." He noted that Waltrip's name has been a constant presence throughout his entire life, and though he has met the NASCAR legend only a few times, he feels the impact of the diagnosis. "Yeah, it's just, it's sad to think of age and everything that they said the announcement is, I read it just like everybody else did, and I haven't talked to anybody," Chastain said.

He added that he and the broader NASCAR community will support Waltrip. The Waltrip family indicated that the condition was likely a result of injuries sustained during Waltrip's extensive racing career. Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Daytona 500 winner, holds the fifth-most Cup Series wins in NASCAR history with 84 victories. He transitioned to broadcasting after his driving career, serving as a NASCAR on FOX analyst for 19 years before retiring in 2019. He occasionally made brief appearances in the broadcast booth in the years following his retirement, most recently in March at Darlington.

Waltrip's family concluded their statement with his famous "Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!" catchphrase.