Darrell Waltrip at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $25 Million
- Birthdate: February 5, 1947
- Birthplace: Owensboro, Kentucky
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Retired NASCAR Driver, Broadcaster
What is Darrell Waltrip’s Net Worth?
Darrell Waltrip has a net worth of $25 million. This fortune is the result of a multi-decade dominance in NASCAR, a lucrative 19-year tenure as a lead television analyst for Fox Sports, and a highly successful portfolio of automotive dealerships.
While many athletes see their earnings decline post-retirement, Waltrip secured his financial standing through diversifications that extended far beyond the track. His original wealth foundation was built on $19.8 million in direct career race winnings—a figure that was a NASCAR record at the time of his retirement. Today, his wealth is sustained primarily through the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group in Franklin, Tennessee, which operates in partnership with the Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest dealership networks in the United States.
Early Life
Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Darrell Lee Waltrip grew up in a family that valued hard work and competition. He began his driving career in go-karts at age 12, quickly displaying the aggressive driving style that would later define his professional persona. Waltrip graduated from Daviess County High School and spent his early adulthood racing on short tracks across Kentucky and Tennessee.
He worked various jobs to fund his racing ambitions, including hauling gravel and working in heat-treating plants, before finding success at the Nashville Speedway Fairgrounds. This local dominance provided the capital and reputation necessary to break into the NASCAR Cup Series.
Career
Darrell Waltrip’s career is defined by two distinct yet equally successful eras: his time as a three-time Cup Series champion and his tenure as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Waltrip debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1972. By 1975, he had secured a ride with the DiGard Racing team, where his talent became undeniable. He earned the nickname “Jaws” for his outspoken nature and aggressive driving style, a persona that made him a polarizing but box-office attraction.
His career peaked after joining Junior Johnson & Associates in 1981. This partnership resulted in three NASCAR Cup Series Championships (1981, 1982, and 1985). During the 1980s, Waltrip was the dominant force in the sport, winning 84 races over the course of his career, tying him for fourth on the all-time wins list. A crowning achievement came in 1989 when, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, he finally won the Daytona 500 in his 17th attempt.
In the 1990s, Waltrip transitioned to being an owner-driver, forming Darrell Waltrip Motorsports. While this period produced fewer wins, it allowed him to understand the business logistics of the sport—experience that proved vital for his future commercial ventures. He retired from Cup racing in 2000 following a “Victory Tour.”
Immediately upon retiring, Waltrip moved to the broadcast booth. He helped launch NASCAR on Fox in 2001. His opening call for the 2001 Daytona 500 began a 19-year run where he served as the color analyst for the network. His energetic style and ability to explain technical racing concepts to casual viewers helped Fox Sports earn multiple Sports Emmy Awards. He retired from the booth in June 2019, concluding a 47-year professional presence in the sport.
Real Estate
Waltrip resides in Franklin, Tennessee, an affluent suburb south of Nashville. His primary residence is a large estate that reflects his long-standing financial success. The property is known for its privacy and extensive grounds.
Beyond his personal residence, Waltrip controls significant commercial real estate through his dealership footprint. The Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group occupies prime commercial acreage in Williamson County, one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. The land value of these dealership locations significantly bolsters his overall asset portfolio.
Personal Life
Waltrip has been married to Stevie Waltrip since 1969. Stevie was a constant presence in the pit box during his racing career, often credited by Waltrip as the stabilizing force behind his success. They have two daughters, Jessica and Sarah.
He is a devout Christian and has been open about how his faith transformed his life and public demeanor in the mid-1980s, shifting him from the “villain” of NASCAR to one of its most beloved ambassadors. He remains active in charity work through Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), an organization he helped establish to provide spiritual support to the racing community.
