Darrell Waltrip

Darrell Lee Waltrip is an American former professional stock car racing driver, current motorsports analyst and author. Widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, Waltrip won 84 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 1989. He earned three Cup Series championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985 and is renowned for his aggressive driving style and success on short tracks. Waltrip remains a prominent figure in the sport as a longtime Fox Sports commentator.

Early Life and Background

Waltrip was born on February 5, 1947, in Owensboro, Kentucky. Raised in a racing family, Darrell was inspired early by his racing-involved father. He began competing in local Kentucky dirt tracks and quickly displayed talent in late model and modified cars, which paved his way into NASCAR. His early racing influences included legendary drivers and the Midwest dirt racing scene.

Career

Waltrip’s NASCAR career spanned from 1972 to 2000, competing in 809 Cup Series races. His breakthrough came with a 12-win season in 1981, capturing his first NASCAR Winston Cup Championship driving for Junior Johnson’s No. 11 Chevrolet. He successfully defended the title in 1982 with 12 wins again, and won a third championship in 1985.

Throughout his career, Waltrip excelled particularly at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he won a record 12 Cup races, seven consecutively from 1981 to 1984. He also famously won the Coca-Cola 600 five times, a record still unmatched. His 1989 Daytona 500 victory is considered a highlight, marking a major win in his long career.

Waltrip retired from full-time racing after the 2000 season but continued as a commentator for Fox Sports through 2019. His career boasts 271 top-five finishes and 390 top-10s, putting him among NASCAR’s legends. He has been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame (2012), Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (2003), and International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2005).

Off-Track Ventures

Post-retirement, Waltrip became a prominent motorsports analyst and author. He served as a color commentator for Fox Sports NASCAR broadcasts for nearly two decades, earning popularity for his insightful and engaging commentary. He is also an accomplished author, with several books about racing and his life. Waltrip has been involved in various charitable endeavors and motorsports promotional activities.

Net Worth

Estimated net worth is $40 million.

Family Life

Darrell Waltrip was born to Leroy and Margaret Waltrip. He has four siblings, including Michael Waltrip. Married to Stevie since 1969, they have two daughters, Jessica and Sarah.

Recent Controversies

There are no widely reported recent controversies involving Darrell Waltrip.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Waltrip participated in motorsports-related public appearances and retrospectives honoring his career and NASCAR history.
• 1 August 2025: Waltrip remains active in NASCAR media and promotional events, occasionally making guest appearances at major race weekends and motorsports expos.