Darrell Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and former NASCAR on FOX Analyst, will be stepping further away from the public limelight, he and his family announced in a statement distributed on Wednesday.

The 79-year-old legend of NASCAR has recently been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is likely the result of injuries sustained throughout his career in racing.

According to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), FTD, also frequently referred to as frontotemporal dementia, “represents a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain”.

The statement from Darrell Waltrip and his family, reads: “We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell’s friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career. Recently, Darrell has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – likely from injuries incurred during his racing career. While this disease will inevitably progress, thankfully it is currently limited to some minor noticeable symptoms. As a result, he will be stepping further away from the public limelight. Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy – spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and his three young grandchildren. WE are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support.”

Waltrip competed at the highest level of NASCAR for nearly three decades, competing in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1972 to 2000, collecting 84 victories, 59 poles, and three NASCAR Cup Series titles (1981, 1982, 1985). In 2001, Waltrip joined NASCAR on FOX as a color analyst for the network’s debut into NASCAR coverage.

The Franklin, Tennessee-native made his final start in NASCAR’s National Series in a NASCAR Busch Series event at Martinsville Speedway in 2006.