Fred Lorenzen Becomes First NASCAR Driver Diagnosed with CTE

Fred Lorenzen, a notable figure in NASCAR and winner of the 1965 Daytona 500, has been posthumously diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), according to the Concussion & CTE Foundation. This diagnosis makes him the first driver in the sport to receive such a designation after death.

Lorenzen, who passed away in December 2024 at the age of 89, had donated his brain for research in 2016. The foundation reported that he suffered from Stage 3 CTE, a condition that can only be diagnosed posthumously. His family is actively contributing to CTE research, having pledged $1 million and established the Fred Lorenzen Memorial HelpLine to support drivers and their families.

In recent news, fellow NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip announced his withdrawal from public life after being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration, which his family attributes to injuries sustained during his racing career. Lorenzen, known for his impressive racing record, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015 and is remembered as one of the sport's early superstars.