# NASCAR Legend Fred Lorenzen First Diagnosed With CTE

> NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen, who won Daytona 500 in 1965, becomes first known driver with CTE.
- Title: NASCAR Legend Fred Lorenzen First Diagnosed With CTE
- Summary: NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen, who won Daytona 500 in 1965, becomes first known driver with CTE. NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen was diagnosed with stage 3 CTE…
- Keywords: fred lorenzen, nascar, cte, daytona 500, nascar cup series, concussion and cte foundation, news, local, Legend, Fred, Lorenzen, First
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/20/nascar-legend-fred-lorenzen-becomes-first-known-driver-have-cte
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:09:24.442+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fred lorenzen, nascar, cte, daytona 500, nascar cup series, concussion and cte foundation, news, local
## Fred Lorenzen's CTE Diagnosis
NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen became the first NASCAR driver officially diagnosed with stage 3 CTE before his death in 2024 at 89.
## Family's Response to Diagnosis
Lorenzen's daughter Amanda said his dementia struggle lasted 20 years before diagnosis and caused significant family hardship.
## NASCAR's Inaction on CTE
NASCAR declined to join family efforts after CTE diagnosis, despite requests for research support.
## Lorenzen's Legacy and Impact
Lorenzen donated $1 million to CTE research and established a helpline to help drivers and families navigate CTE.
## Key takeaway

NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen was diagnosed with stage 3 CTE before his death in 2024, making him the first known driver with the condition.