Darrell Waltrip in the Southern Quote

He was born February 5, 1947 in Owensboro, Ky. By the age of twelve he was an avid go-kart racer, at sixteen he entered his first stock car race, and by his early twenties he’d become a regular at the fairgrounds track in Nashville, Tenn.

Darrell Waltrip quickly became one of the nation’s top short-track drivers. He spent a decade earning a living on the short track while simultaneously making as many NASCAR starts as possible. It wasn’t easy moving between the ranks, a big fish in the little races and a little fish in the big ones. Finally, in 1975, Darrell made the decision to leave the short track money that was paying his bills to devote himself completely to his NASCAR dreams.

Early in his career, the man they called “Jaws” was an aggressive, crash-prone driver who alienated fans and earned few friends among his fellow drivers. He racked up enemies right alongside his trophies until the day an accident changed his life. In 1983 Darrell Waltrip took a terrible crash at the Daytona 500, but instead of taking his life, Darrell credits that crash with rescuing it, saying the resulting relationship he found with Jesus during his recovery gave him a brand new outlook. His reputation among fellow drivers and racing enthusiasts began a slow and steady metamorphosis. Five years later-Darrell Waltrip, once known as the villain of NASCAR, was chosen as the most popular driver in the sport.

Darrell Waltrip retired as a three-time Winston Cup Series champion and Hall of Fame driver with 84 Winston Cup victories to his name. After retiring from racing, he made a successful move into the broadcasting booth where he’s known for doctoring his commentary with colorful southern sayings. In today’s Southern Quote we honor the transformed life and career of Dale Waltrip who, when referring to a driver in a tense situation says, “He’s sittin’ on a hot tin stove and sweating ice water!”