Darrell Waltrip, American race car driver and sportscaster
The Illustrious Career of Darrell Waltrip: A NASCAR Legend
Darrell Lee Waltrip, born on February 5, 1947, stands as a towering figure in American motorsports, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a highly accomplished stock car driver, insightful motorsports analyst, best-selling author, and former national television broadcaster. His active racing career spanned nearly three decades, from 1972 to 2000, primarily competing in the premier NASCAR Winston Cup Series, now officially known as the NASCAR Cup Series. Waltrip is most famously associated with driving the iconic No. 17 Chevrolet, achieving significant success with Hendrick Motorsports.
A true champion of his era, Waltrip secured three coveted Cup Series championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985, cementing his place among the sport's elite.
Unrivaled On-Track Achievements and Records
Darrell Waltrip's prowess on the track is evidenced by a remarkable array of statistics and records, highlighting his consistent performance and competitive dominance:
- Total Wins: He amassed an incredible 84 NASCAR Cup Series victories, placing him in an exclusive tie with fellow legend Bobby Allison for fourth on NASCAR's all-time wins list in the Cup Series. In NASCAR's modern era (post-1972), he holds the distinction of being second only to Jeff Gordon in total wins, a testament to his enduring impact.
- Major Race Victories: Waltrip's 84 wins include some of NASCAR's most prestigious events:
- The 1989 Daytona 500, NASCAR's crown jewel event, a victory that famously eluded him for many years before he finally triumphed.
- A record five victories in the Coca-Cola 600 (formerly known as the World 600), NASCAR's longest race, showcasing his endurance and strategic brilliance in 1978, 1979, 1985, 1988, and 1989.
- An unparalleled 12 wins at Bristol Motor Speedway, often referred to as "The Last Great Colosseum" due to its high banks and short track intensity. This stands as a track and series record for any driver, including an astonishing seven consecutive victories from 1981 to 1984, showcasing his mastery of short-track racing.
- Top Finishes: His consistency was legendary, reflected in a modern NASCAR series record of 22 top-five finishes in 1983, and 21 top-five finishes in both 1981 and 1986. Across his career, he accumulated 271 top-five finishes and 390 top-ten finishes.
- Pole Positions: Waltrip ranks fifth all-time with 59 pole positions. Notably, he holds all-time modern era highs with 35 poles on short tracks and eight on road courses, further underscoring his adaptability across diverse track types.
- Career Starts and Earnings: Competing in 809 Cup Series starts over four decades (1972–2000), Waltrip showcased remarkable longevity. He was also a pioneer in racer earnings, becoming the first NASCAR driver to be awarded over $10 million in race winnings, with posted career earnings of $19,886,666.00, which equates to more than $26 million in today's currency, highlighting the growing commercial success of the sport during his era.
Versatility Beyond the Cup Series
Waltrip's talent was not confined solely to the Cup Series; he demonstrated exceptional versatility across various racing disciplines and series:
- He claimed 13 victories in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series (now Xfinity Series).
- He won seven American Speed Association (ASA) races, three International Race of Champions (IROC) events, and two Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) races.
- His resume also includes two NASCAR All-American Challenge Series events, two All Pro Racing Association races, and a USAC race.
- Further showcasing his range, Waltrip also competed in the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race.
- He holds the all-time track record of 67 wins at the historic Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee. These victories span multiple series, including NASCAR, USAC, ASA, and local Late Model Sportsman NASCAR-sanctioned series races, affirming his status as a hometown hero and a master of his craft.
Remarkably, many of Darrell Waltrip's NASCAR records remain unbroken, more than a decade after he retired as an active driver, underscoring the lasting impact of his career.
Accolades, Awards, and Hall of Fame Recognition
Darrell Waltrip's exceptional career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and inductions into multiple motorsports halls of fame, affirming his legendary status:
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award: 1989, 1990
- American Driver of the Year: 1979, 1981, 1982 (three times)
- NASCAR's Driver of the Decade: For the 1980s, recognizing his dominant performance throughout the decade.
- National Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year: 1977, 1981, 1982 (three times)
- Auto Racing Digest Driver of the Year: 1981, 1982 (two times)
- Tennessee Professional Athlete of the Year: 1979 (the inaugural recipient)
- One of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers: Inducted in 1998, a distinguished honor marking NASCAR's 50th anniversary.
- Bill France "Award of Excellence": 2000, presented by NASCAR's founder and highly esteemed within the sport.
His enduring legacy is further cemented by his inductions into premier motorsports halls of fame:
- Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Inducted in 2003.
- International Motorsports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005.
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: After being nominated for the inaugural 2010 and 2011 classes, he was proudly inducted as part of the illustrious 2012 class, a pinnacle achievement for any NASCAR figure.
Post-Racing Career: Broadcaster and Author
Following his remarkable driving career, Darrell Waltrip seamlessly transitioned into a highly successful role as a color analyst for Fox Sports. He became a beloved voice of NASCAR, sharing his extensive knowledge and vibrant personality alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Joy and fellow former driver Jeff Gordon. His distinctive catchphrases, such as his iconic "Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racing, boys!", became synonymous with NASCAR broadcasts and endeared him to millions of fans. Beyond the commentary booth, Waltrip also contributed as a columnist for Foxsports.com and authored several books, further extending his reach and influence.
Darrell Waltrip is also the older brother of former NASCAR driver and team owner Michael Waltrip, who famously owned the now-defunct Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) team. After two decades as a beloved broadcaster, Waltrip retired from the commentary box at the conclusion of Fox's broadcast schedule for the 2019 NASCAR season in June 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy both on and off the track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darrell Waltrip
- When was Darrell Waltrip born?
- Darrell Waltrip was born on February 5, 1947.
- How many NASCAR Cup Series championships did Darrell Waltrip win?
- Darrell Waltrip won three NASCAR Cup Series championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985.
- How many NASCAR Cup Series races did Darrell Waltrip win?
- He won 84 NASCAR Cup Series races, tying him for fourth on the all-time wins list.
- Did Darrell Waltrip ever win the Daytona 500?
- Yes, Darrell Waltrip famously won the Daytona 500 in 1989.
- How many times did Darrell Waltrip win the Coca-Cola 600?
- Darrell Waltrip holds the record for most Coca-Cola 600 wins with five victories (1978, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1989).
- Is Darrell Waltrip in the NASCAR Hall of Fame?
- Yes, Darrell Waltrip was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 class.
- When did Darrell Waltrip retire from broadcasting?
- Darrell Waltrip retired from his role as a Fox Sports NASCAR color analyst in June 2019, at the conclusion of Fox's broadcast schedule for the 2019 season.