NASCAR driving and broadcasting legend Darrell Waltrip has been diagnosed with a brain disease and is stepping back further from public life, his family announced Wednesday. The 79-year-old former champion was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), with possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) also suspected, which his family said may be linked to injuries sustained during his racing career.

In a statement, Waltrip’s family said the condition will inevitably progress but currently causes only some minor noticeable symptoms. They emphasized that he remains happy and otherwise healthy, and is spending time with his wife, Stevie, their two daughters and three young grandchildren.

Waltrip competed in NASCAR’s premier series from 1972 through 2000 and recorded 84 victories, placing him fifth on the series’ all-time wins list. He captured the Winston Cup championship in 1981, 1982 and 1985, and won the prestigious Daytona 500 in 1989. During his first two championship seasons, he won 12 races in each year.

Throughout his racing career, Waltrip earned 59 pole positions and recorded 390 top-10 finishes. After retiring from competition, he became a prominent television analyst, joining Fox Sports’ NASCAR coverage in 2001 and remaining with the network through 2019. His signature introduction, “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Let’s go racing, boys!” became closely associated with his broadcasting career.

Waltrip’s family said they are grateful for the continued prayers, love and support from fans and the wider racing community. While the diagnosis marks a new chapter in his life away from the public spotlight, the family said he continues to enjoy time with those closest to him. The statement concluded with his familiar phrase: “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!”