Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
Concussion issues will do that to you.
I don't think he is depressed because of anything medically related. Like many older, successful drivers, he is struggling for a reason to stay in racing. He is one of the wealthiest drivers in NASCAR, with a net worth estimated north of $300 MILLION. He would have been hard pressed to have had a more successful career. He has just recently married. And after suffering through an accident which has sidelined him for a large portion of the season, he is no doubt fighting inner demons that are telling him to quit. Who wouldn't be in his position?
These is also the death of his father. That's a lot for any driver to carry around the track with him every time he gets into a car. Darryl Waltrip once said that every driver is fearless and super aggressive, until he suffers an injury in a major accident. Some are able to return with a bit less aggression, others are never able to come back with a competitive racing attitude again. I don't look to see him around much longer as a driver. As a team owner, or a broadcaster, (assuming he has the speaking talent), perhaps. But much like Dario Franchitti and Rick Mears in Indy Car, there comes a time when the sensible choice is to get out of the car, and explore other options in life.
