The NASCAR veteran, Morgan Shepherd, has had a challenging few years due to his declining health. The former NASCAR driver opened up about his struggles with Parkinson's disease 

During his recent appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the 84-year-old gave an honest update on his health. He opened up about the day-to-day challenges he faces as someone suffering from Parkinson's Disease. 

“I've been healthy all this time, but now I can't even put my shoes on, can barely walk. It's mostly on the left side, but it moves around; it doesn't stay there,” said Shepherd.

The veteran elaborated a bit more on his Parkinson's symptoms and how it affects his physical mobility. But he cherished what life has given him so far.

“It's different things, but the main thing of mine is my left side don’t work well, but then I get up one morning, and it goes to the other side. So its real weird, but it is what it is. I've had a good, healthy life,” he said. 

Shepherd was diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's in November 2020. His team announced the same via their website. In that year, for the first time in over four decades, the veteran driver had not participated in a race. 

Before his health declined, Shepherd had an incredible career. He made his Cup debut back in 1970. He went on to become the oldest driver at 72 to start a Cup Series race, and has over 1027 starts across all three series. 

Currently, Shepherd has settled into the role of team owner for Shepherd Racing Ventures. However, during his prime, the NASCAR legend dominated the Atlanta ovals. 

Morgan Shepherd Looks Back at His First  Atlanta Win

They say you always remember your first wins, and it's no different for Shepherd. During this tenure with the Wood Brothers Racing, he won his maiden win in Atlanta in 1986. 

While looking back on that race, the veteran said, “About three laps to go I realized that we were going to probably win this race and tears come in my eyes. I could hardly see the corners, I broke down emotionally, after all these years I thought I was done in racing." 

The last 188 laps of the race were run fully under the green flags, which meant the drivers had to conserve fuel. Shepherd did just that as he took his maiden victory. 

Since then, he won two more races at the track by huge margins. His last win at Atlanta came when he was 51 years old. 

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit