The NASCAR world was surprised to see a veteran driver on Dale Earnhardt Jr’s podcast recently. The legend is none other than two time Daytona 500 winner, Sterling Marlin. Though Marlin made quite an entrance, everyone seems to be worried about his deteriorating health.
Marlin made his debut in NASCAR in the late seventies. The man from southern Tennessee was known for his cool nature, but he also had a temper. Marlin became one of only three drivers who won consecutive Daytona 500s. The other two names who won are Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough. He started touching the pinnacle of his success in the late eighties all the way up to the nineties. In his time he raced with brilliant drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott, and Michael Waltrip to name a few.
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A reel was posted on Dirty Mo Media’s page on Instagram recently. In the video, the legend is seen entering Dale Jr’s studio in the old school style. Marlin gave Dale Jr a case of Budweiser beer while greeting him. Though it was a moment between the two, Marlin looked pretty weak and worn out. It is not hidden from anyone that he has been fighting his battle with Parkinson’s disease for almost a decade. It is very evident that the disease has taken a toll on him, though he is just in his sixties.
Fans show their concerns for Marlin on Dale Jr’s post
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NASCAR fans were excited to see Marlin in Dale Jr’s podcast clip, and they can’t seem to wait for the entire podcast to be out. Some fans appreciated the old man getting beer for Jr., but some fans were concerned about his health as per his appearance. Fans are of an opinion that it is the disease that led him to lose weight and look so fragile. Noticing drastic changes, fans wrote, “Sterling has changed so much;” “Is it me or does sterling not look great?? Very skinny,” and “I’m hoping he’s in good health.”
A user calling him favorite said, “Sterling lost a lot of weight. I hope he is in good health. He has always been one of my favorite in NASCAR.” Another fan noticing his lost weight wrote, “Damn, he’s lost so much weight.” Some concerned fans wrote, “Man looks sterling is have a rough time” and “He looks awful. What happened to you Sterling Marlin??” Fans who are aware of his disease wrote, “Prayers for Sterling, Parkinson’s disease sucks;” and “Parkinson’s Disease is a Son of a Bitch! Hope Sterling is hanging in there well. Prayers Mr. Marlin.” One sending strength in words for Marlin wrote, “Keep fighting the fight you’re a legend.”
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While all NASCAR fans await the new podcast on Dale Jr.’s media platforms, this small clip has gotten a lot of them nostalgic. Though Marlin has been fighting his battle head-on, we wish him good health, with all the strength he needs to continue his battle ahead.