Don Garlits | Stories From The 1/4 Mile

[@100beachbum]

I live 15 minutes away from the museum, and I started volunteering there 6 years ago. Those cars don't dust themselves, LOL!! I stopped in his office this morning, and wished him a HAPPY birthday. He turned 91 this past Saturday, January 14th.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Oh nice. Hoping to get back there soon.

[@billshiff2060]

Funny that makes Don a Capricorn if you consider such stuff. Capricorns are noted for making big come backs. Other Capricorns are George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Steven Hawking, Michael Schumacher, Tiger Woods, ETC. You can't deny Garlits made a few big comebacks.

[@pauljanssen7594]

I watched the interview he had with his wife what a great interview then two days later I met a lady in the supermarket that looked exactly like his wife I knew that wasn't her I said I told told her about the interview she needs to watch it she'll be surprised.

[@michaelguinn5736]

Wow!!! 91!!! He's a good Christian man!!

[@user-sh2mk8ew4c]

On a trip to Orlando. My dad says “we gotta go to Don Garlits museum”. So we go. He’s there and autographed all our T shirts!!! Talk to us like a regular guy. I’m glad he’s doing good after losing his wife. I know that was hard for him.

[@paulfasolo8552]

Don Garlits was my hero as a 12 year old boy. I'm almost 70, he's still my hero!

[@bearmcquade2846]

Me 2 ! Remember Eddie Hill ? One fast man on water or drag strip

[@scottrayhons2537]

Same here! Loved Big Daddy Don Garlits!

[@joshuaalvey]

Yes. Hot Rod magazines and dragster posters

[@wb4514]

Me too. I'm 72 and used to live within 70 miles of the Detroit Dragway and Milan Dragway. Saw all of the big names.

[@johnnyrot1075]

What a Man What a Legend How the hell did ESPN rank him 23rd on their top drivers of all-time. He was the first drag racer to officially surpass the 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 mile-per-hour marks in the quarter mile; he was also the first to top 200 mph (320 km/h) in the 1⁄8 mi Not to mention the number of National and world record ETs he set This man is a true Legend A king of the sport

[@SuperDirtyred1]

ESPN is just Jealous because there Network is Ranked 24th.

[@clydeblair9622]

The so-called sports infrastructure doesn't care about anything but NASCAR. Wide World of Sports was inclusive with great NHRA coverage.

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

ESPN is too political to be objective.

[@clydeblair9622]

@@toomanyhobbies2011 They're just arrogant asses that think that hot rodding, an all American sport, is beneath them.

[@marcturk4410]

Delusional cowards he's the man that innovated top fuel , if it wasn't for him top fuel wouldn't be where it is today: " HAILS TO THE CHIEF👍

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

I grew up in the 60's & 70's with the Rat Fink and the Swamp Rat. I watched Big Daddy on the wide wide world of Sports.

[@williamhannas9342]

Big's "contribution" went way beyond the sport itself. He was a hero to a generation in need of one. Thank you Mr. Garlits.

[@troybradley2129]

The master. Plain and simple. The face of drag racing.

[@waynewilliams8554]

@troybradley2129 You're absolutely right. I donated all of my antique stuff to Don, including an old 60s FED chassis. I told him I gave $100 bucks for it from some guy in town and didn't know anything about it. He said, I DO!!. I built it. He couldn't get that chassis in his shop fast enough. Then he took my son, grandson and me through everything for 3 hours. Then handed me a $5k tax exemption receipt. Great man!!

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

Exactly, yet control freak Wally Parks didn't even write one word about Don in his book about Drag racing.

[@mikerequa820]

Don is the best great racer and a stand up guy! We got to meet him in early 80s at smokin mokan dragway in Asbury Missouri he gave my wife a signed autograph pic took a picture with her and someone stole them both We was hoping to get to see him again to get another but never have. Happy Birthday Don have a great year. Thanks for sharing this

[@jessenichols1353]

Sure thing my two uncles saw in missouri back in the sixties they started running belvedeers 413's i believe,, we still have a complete chasis in the back barn,,,

[@jessenichols1353]

And a partiall sling shot,,,

[@mikewinkelman7015]

I'm 69 I've always watched BigDaddy all my life He's the best ever.

[@jeroldlafferty54]

Back in 70's Big Daddy shows up at U.S.Nationals with a small homemade 1 car trailer being pulled by Dodge pickup with a camper on it.His pit crew was his wife and Art Malone he was pitted in sea of tractor trailers rigs,Went out and won the Wally. Thanks Big Daddy for great memories. If you haven't been to the Drag Racing Museum you're really missing out on history of the sport.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Great story and i couldn't agree more about the Museum.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Thanks! More coming

[@NATOHA-64]

My Dad drove Pro Stock & Funny Cars in the early to late 1960s before he went to Vietnam. I got to sit in BIG DADDY's Lap and do a burnout nothing like it in the world it was one of the #1 highlights of my life. I would stand behind the Christmas tree in a fireman's jacket and helmet with face shield and watch them go down the track and having rubber from the tires hitting me so much fun BIGLOVE to Don Garlits he is the BIG DADDY of the drag strip. I still have all the shirts and hats he autograft for me he is the greatest of all times.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Oh wow would be mine as well.

[@dragraceman21]

Been Friends with Don for over 2 decades, definitely the salt of the earth! He has absolutely earned the title of the grandfather of drag racing.

[@winstonrocco1981]

The godfather

[@Guitar_tom]

What does he do to stay so alert and young he is amazing

[@blevalley1367]

Met Big Daddy at a Kingdom Drag Strip reunion, he's not only a legend, but he is a class act and heck of a nice guy!

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Yeah super personable.

[@bigunone]

My house mates in Denver had a little boy, his dad always joked his son's first words were Big Daddy, he used to get excited, when we were watching the races and Don was on. He would keep yelling Big Daddy. We took him to the Mile High's all he could ask was Big Daddy going to be there. At the time Don was working with Shirley so we were not sure if he would be there, or be where he could be seen. We were making our way through the pits there was a huge crowd in front of one pit, you guessed it Don and Shirley were out signing autographs. My buddy said it would be neat if we could get one of the promo pictures for his son. I told let's try for better, We were both body builders at the time he had his son in his arms and I just bulled my way through. When we got to the front I yelled "Hey Don see this little man, all he has asked today were you going to be here" Don walked over took the boy from his dad's arms and started talking to him, he looked over and said get a pictured and posed with him in his arms. The boy was in heaven for the next week. When the picture was developed it was an 8x10 framed and set on his dresser, his dad liked to joke his picture was a wallet sized in the dresser drawer!

[@robertruark4051]

I met him one time in the 80s. So genuine and down-to-earth.

[@jameswilson9368]

Hi Big Daddy!!! You are my drag racing hero!!! I'm 75 yrs old, I loved drag racing back then. It's great to see you!! I've seen you race many many times loved every one. Watched you race on tv all they your carear, except '67-70 while serving my draft into U.S. Army, 101at airborne viet nam. You are the greatest!!!

[@johnarnold893]

I'm 77 and Big Daddy was well known with all of us teen guys back then. Cars were all we talked about.

[@mitchellmullins9411]

DON GARLITS IS A CLASS ACT AND A LEGEND TO THE SPORT OF DRAG RACING . I REALLY ENJOY LISTENING TO HIM TELL HIS STORIES ABOUT HIS TIMES WITH DIFFERENT PROJECTS . I'VE WATCHED HIM RUN IN OHIO INDINIA AND TENNESSEE AND HE'S # 1 IN MY BOOK . JOHN FORCE IS # 1 IN FUNNY CAR AND BOB GLIDDON IS # 1 IN PRO STOCK RONNIE SOX IS # 1 IN SUPER STOCK

[@billyfeldhahn5224]

GOAT !!! I've been to Big's museum, by far the best auto themed museum in the country. I toured it in 3 hours. Next time I'll leave my wife at a motel and take 3 days to tour. 😆

[@billthepatriot4419]

I met Don when he was on the lathe cutting tubing for the 1st streamliner. I sure wish I had gotten back since then.

[@Moondoggy1970]

I was born & raised in Bakersfield California & When I was a kid in the 70’s my family would go to the March Meets @ Famoso drag strip.We’d go @ night & we would watch Big Daddy Don Garlits,Shirley Muldowny tear it up & Nightime was the best time because you’d see the flames 🔥 coming outta the pipes on the dragsters.

[@frankpavia5486]

Thank you for putting this out. What a very sharp man for 91 years old. God bless him and the Hemi too.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Thank you. I cant wait to do more with him.

[@warrengalliano6103]

Big is right on when he states that the primary function of racing associations, besides safety, is ti stifle creativity which they have done in spades!!!

[@MP-pz9oe]

Don Garlits was my childhood hero, I was always drawing his dragster in my notebook and day dreaming when I was at grade school. God bless him always !

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

He's 91, but he doesn't look a day over 75. A legend in all aspects.

[@redlight3932]

91! He's more there mentally than our politicians.

[@albundyrocks2115]

In 1976 I worked the starting line at DeSoto Memorial Speedway in Bradenton, Fla. During the Snowbird Nationals that year I had the honor of starting the tree for Garlits and Muldowney race. Great memories

[@DavidSmith-jn4sy]

In probably '61-'62 I was 8-9 years old. My Dad took me to a drag race just outside of Savannah. We were looking at Garlits' Swamp Rat when Don Garlits walked up and asked if I wanted to sit in it. I did, and almost 60 years ago it's still a cherished memory. Thank you Mr. Garlits!!!

[@williamsaloka9043]

What a life. What a legacy. Hat's off to you, Mr. Garlits.

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

Mr. Garlits is the king period. Drag Racing wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for this man.

[@tedsmith3061]

Happy 92 Big Daddy. You are one of my childhood legends. I became a mechanic because of the likes of you and your crowd. I grew up in Orange County Calif. Saw you at OCIR. Remember that track? I'll wager you hated that track. It was too short. You don't like that. You like tracks that let you keep your foot stuffed into it a hundred fifty feet past the lights. After going to the drags at OCIR I knew what I was going to do with one of my careers in life. And boy am i ever glad i did. It was all that you said. I grew up around these motorheads. Probably bumped shoulders with people that knew you. What an Era. I am very proud of our American heritage of drag racing. You are iconic in this. The world of drag racing has and always will have your finger prints all over it. No one will ever forget. Happy Birthday. Mine is on the 12th, same as Rush but I was only 64 on the 12th. You're 92! What's your secret? Antifreeze in your coffee? Nitro methane? Old Racers never die they just keep rolling!

[@philc8072]

Ted: a long, long time ago my dad took me to a smaller drag race here in Florida called the Snowbirds where the time I got to witness/ feel top fuel when I got to see John Force and Al Hoffman match race. I was hooked! A year later he took me to see the Gatornationals. Like you it was the exposure to this sport that ultimately led me to turn wrenches for a living.

[@tedsmith3061]

@@philc8072 Great story Phil. I intentionally did not go into all the strips and events over the years I've been to. There are almost too many to recall. Despite that when drag racing season left the state I'm in the only way I could follow was to attend by television. Never made it to the Gator Nationals! Dang! Shoot howdy how fun would that be!? I've seen a few Winter Nationals though and had pit passes for one. I think that was in the '87 WN's. Saw anybody that somebody. All my fave's. Force too. What a wild man. From Pro Stock to Funny Car to Top Fuel. I saw what happened to the et's in Pro Stock when they changed the rules again. That time bumping up the Cid limit from 400 to 500 inches. The big block and high torque output naturally aspirated Big Blocks came into their own. That for me was a lot of fun because that was when I was in deep wrenching. I definitely do not do it for a living anymore. Sometimes I even let a shop work on my truck. I wonder how many young men were inspired by what they saw and witnessed first hand at the track to spin wrenches? The number is not as high as one might think. Thanks for sharing your experience. It is heartening to hear and congratulations on mastering your career choice to be a mechanic. I know how long and full of zillions of things to learn and know that road is. Not easy.

[@tdugle1823]

Happy Birthday Big Daddy Don Garlits!

[@MotorHouseChannel]

I had no idea it was his birthday when i released this. Good timing though!

[@ronjones-6977]

@@MotorHouseChannel I'm absolutely stoked that my first granddaughter was born on his 90th birthday. I'm teaching her to say "Mopar or no car!"

[@davidharrick469]

Don is and always will be the pinnacle of drag racing.

[@ronharrison1776]

My getting to go to the Don Garlits museum was fulfilling my Bucket list and will will always remember it .

[@Dd13200]

I still have one of the front wheel belts off of Swamp Rat 30 from the 86 Gatornationals hanging in my garage. Big Daddy is a living legend

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Oh that's cool. I shot him years ago for ESPN and I should have asked for something.

[@perrynay1533]

Greatest of all time..

[@colehara]

Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum is really interesting. All kinds of drag racing and general automotive history.

[@manolissilamianos7560]

Now there's a man with some great drag race stories, I've seen Don garlits and indy back in 2016 2017 under a big circus tent telling some cool drag race stories, he's most definitely a legend in drag racing

[@greghanson5696]

I don't live in FLA but have been to his museum 3 times. If you ever find yourself near Ocala Florida It's a MUST see.

[@ginotassoni4597]

I have a picture of me & BIG DADDY at N.Y. NATIONAL SPEEDWAY in 1967 Spring Nationals. He was so nice, answered all my questions!👍😁

[@darttoyou1398]

I was at an event one time with the wife and was in line at a food vendor. I told her this is what separates Nascar from drag racing, the closeness and interactions between drivers and fans. I said, see this guy right in front of us is Big daddy Don Garlit. She quickly looked at me and said "NA AUHHH". And Don inches away turned around and looked at her nodding and said "Yes". Funny as I kinda set it up, knowing he's hearing everything and she knows quite a bit as my dad and I were drag racers. 🙂

[@steveegbert7429]

Way back in time, in the mid to late 60's I guess, when I first realized I was drawn to all thing mechanical and fast, Don Garlits was the first one I always looked for in the magazines of the day. Hot Rod, Car Craft etc.

[@sammylacks4937]

That's exactly what Lenard Wood said , he could look a part or a car and see in his mind how to make it and better. Great minds think alike. Big Daddy sure knows how to make lemonade when the crowd and competitors handed him lemons. I respect that.

[@jennifersman7990]

So cool to see Big Daddy, what a storyteller! Big Daddy, the Snake, the Mongoose and Cha-Cha Muldowney that was drag racing’s golden age!

[@geoffkeeler5106]

Don, great to see you! I was at Woodvale in England in 1964 when you came over with such greats as Tommy Ivo and I think Mickey Thompson among others, and I helped push your dragster in the pits. It was a fantastic honour for a 16 year old and a memory I cherish to this day, in fact I was talking about it just a couple of hours ago. May you continue to grace the strips for many years to come, and all the very best wishes for your museum!

[@adiemarsden]

Absolutely the nicest man I never met, I went to his museum hoping to meet him, his mother came out and told us that " Donald " had just out on some errands she'd given him, we went round the museum but never saw him, shame, I can't think of a more interesting man in drag racing.

[@Petequinn741]

He was ahead of his time..he's the greatest of all time..the lifted dragster pic was in Englishtown raceway park..it happened right in front of me

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

I met Big Daddy Don Garlits at the museum in 1991. I was in the engine room and he was wiping so glass cases down, we had some pleasantries and I moved on not knowing it was he until we were leaving and his pic was by the cash register as you leave. I was 11 or 12 years old. To meet a legend and not even realize it right away. 😂

[@N-Scale]

I have always loved watching you Don and I too loved the racecar days of RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG and all the inovation in Drags and Indy

[@baddriversandcarstuff2855]

I also live in Ocala, FL. and glad to have a legend like Big Daddy "I Did It My Way" Don Garlits here!! His innovation and contribution to the industry is 2nd to none.

[@richardoliver1303]

Happy be-lated Birthday! I saw you at the Budweiser World of Wheels in Wash. D.C. in the mid 80's. I have followed you all my life! You are our HERO!

[@robekstrom3824]

I’m from So Cal & have been to the museum multiple times. It’s absolutely a must. You’ll spend A LONG time there!

[@p.c.6561]

In 1967 at the indy nationals, I was in the throng of people who went over the fence after "big" won top fuel. He broke into the sixes on that run and vowed to shave his beard at the starting line. They pushed back and when the car came to a stop I was in the right spot and actually set down on the slick. Garlits is still in the car. ERIC RICKMAN took our picture and later sent me a copy. Garlits then climbed up on his truck and shaved. Told "Big Daddy" this story one time, he remembers dates and details like no one i know. GOOD TIMES.....

[@MotorHouseChannel]

That man does remember everything

[@claudiodiez55]

I was at Union Grove in 1977 it was the Olympics of drag Racing all the Stars were there I got a lot of pictures of Don G,

[@johnhholten8645]

Thank you Mr Garlits for being part of my youth!

[@johnhholten8645]

I watched you race all the time at NEW YORK NATIONAL SPEEDWAY on Long Island

[@terrygarvin1392]

Went to the museum with my brother who was not well. Big Daddy spent an hour or more answered every question and told great stories. Great Man.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Oh wow. Sorry to hear about your brother. Don is an awesome story teller. Id like to go back and get more from him.

[@michaelmyers3892]

Don garlits, the snake, jungle gym, all of these legendary drag race men who pioneered and paved the road for what we have now, though the sport has lost a flavor and Grace and style that it once had but none-the-less these are legendary men I grew up with as a kid

[@tsmcbride06]

Picking up the latest Hot Rod mag for the cool pictures at $1.25. Great memories.

[@vannomad6458]

jungle pam is legendary,i'll never forget her.

[@tsmcbride06]

@@vannomad6458 I remember Pam flashing Ed McColloch.

[@vannomad6458]

@@tsmcbride06 lucky guy!...damn

[@michaelmyers3892]

@@vannomad6458 she was a definite beauty to to the sport, she had a style that was all hers, she'll always be my favorite also and not just for the sexy stuff she wore LOL

[@chrispile3878]

Thanks BIG!!!!!!!

[@curtisbabin6866]

Thank you Mr.Don you been my hero in my drag racing world born in1950so all my life!

[@xkmendlt4290]

Garlits is the man plan and simple! Always my favorite. I think I built every model that was available for his cars when I was a kid in the 60s. I was in the Lions drag strip pits in Long Beach, CA in 1970 the night his transmission blew and he lost part of a foot. Man, it was scary.

[@robertmakiney8708]

Big daddy. I remember spending many a Saturday at the track watching him when I was a kid. And Don Prudhomme

[@thevoodoo57]

How does someone like Don manage to stay in racing, but also collect such a vast amount of vehicles! Impressive!

[@richard6606]

Because there not all his cars there on loan from the owners

[@kennethcohagen3539]

Hey Big Daddy! You are personally responsible for my addiction to speed, in a race car. At the Winternationals in Phoenix, 1976, I kinda met you when your assistant dropped a wrench and I picked it up to hand it to him, but you took it instead and said thanks. I’m positive you won’t remember, as you’ve been so many fans over the years. Thank you sir!

[@alro2434]

Thank You, great video & subject! 60 or 61, Masters Field in Miami, wearing a black leather jacket with 'Swamp Rat' & some number on the back. The huge front end castor really made it look like the wheels would fall over, that's what really impressed me at 11 or 12, besides running in the 8's & 180's! No doubt, the King!

[@rmp5s]

What a legend.

[@richardkautz2947]

We love you Don and I just missed meeting you in person at your museum when I went to the bathroom and my wife saw you walking through ! Doh !

[@AudiophileTubes]

What a legend, and then some! 'Dragster' should be this guy's whole name!

[@richardwarnock2789]

Hi Don Thanks for the nod during restoration on a fifthy six Corvette from sorry fifthy Seven conversion you looked at it car show before the owner realigned the hood how he could have placed in the show 5 cent Nichol spaced! I learned from my father taught me and old timers the owner realized his mistake you told him I had it Right ! That ment alot to me!!!

[@altonw9145]

Thanks for allowing us to visit your chuck Yeager God bless

[@roywhitman7109]

When I was a youngster & had the opportunity to see these guys race back in the 60's & 70's, Garlits was always on the top of the food chain!! Back then, he had this Dodge pickup truck & used to pull the Swamp Rats in an enclosed trailer behind it! Got to get up close & personal with the racers in the pits, too!! Great memories!! Thanks Don!!👍

[@frankierutherford1888]

Thank you Big Daddy. Always and forever will be remembered as my favorite.

[@dxn1999]

Just like most from the 60s drag racing days, Big Daddy is our HERO. If you ever had the chance to meet him in person as I did at the Winter Nationals 1969 you would see he is easy to talk with and down to earth guy. A legend for sure in modern slang a real Badass. Im 76 and still drag racing I blame that all on Big Daddy...thanks for the positive influence on my life.

[@nathandodge665]

Ya gotta visit his museum!!! And don't forget to check out the special events calendar

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Didnt know there was a special events calendar. Thanks will check it out!

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Thank you to everyone who watched, liked and commented on this video. It has reached 150K views! We greatly appreciate the viewership & support. Please help spread the word of Motor House, as we have a lot planned and need the continued support to help it being realized. Thank you again! Jim

[@lomasgrandberry7845]

Thank you for some fun memories at US30 when I was a kid. You were one of my favorite.

[@stephenschumacher2696]

everytime I went to see him at his shows in Ocala he took care of me on mopar parts,he would ask what i was workin on and out came the parts!💥👍🤠always a gentleman ,thank you sir and God bless!!!

[@100ccSuperRat]

Big Daddy museum in Ocala Florida, awesome place to visit.

[@rickfry6031]

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

[@realnikonlover6207]

Love Don Garlits! Been following him since the early 70's. First saw him at Orange County International Raceway. Those were the days,

[@markbarber7839]

As a kid growing up in the 60s drag racing was cool

[@stevelueb7787]

Very Cool..... meet him in 2010 at Mopar at the Motorplex at a dog & pony demo. Big Daddy competitiveness is out of this world. He was so mad because he couldn't get his Challenger hooked up. He is the Greatest Top Fuel Racer of All Time. His Museum is Incredible cut-away engines, carb intake set-ups, news articles it is a time capsule of drag racing development. What surprised me the most was all the cars & equipment from all the competition. It's not a Big Daddy Only Museum, it's the entire history of Drag Racing. Thank You Big Daddy!!!!

[@sandrapoyner1353]

Thank you for the memories 👍👍👍😁loved big daddy Don for years always a great inovator long live the King👍👍🇭🇲😁

[@robbysguitars8223]

I met Big Daddy in 1989 while working at a car rental place. He came into town for the races. He rented a tiny subcompact. What a nice guy.

[@dougharlow6037]

I've have a new name for Big Daddy, "Super Daddy". What a great guy. Thanks

[@jamesshipley4985]

Met Big Daddy several times over the years ,been to museum several times ,was at English town when he flipped it over 🤯🤯great guy !!!!!🥳🍻👏👏

[@virian2010]

The best thing that ever happened to Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth. and Desoto, Was Don Garlists, Don worked on the "Hemi" Engines like and Engineer, and then "Kicked Ass- And Took Names. My first car was a 1935 Dodge Coupe. What a learning experience, I had, I won the first Chrysler, Trouble shooting contest at my Highschool Oakland Technical High School, Oakland California. I later went on to win the "E-Gas class at the Pomona, Winter Nationals. Running a 1955 Chevy. I met Don Garlits, at the end of the tract at Fremont Drag strip. Don Garlits, made a run and after I completed my run , Don Gartits, was over on the side with his engine all apart and putting it back together. The Man Don Garlits, had "Magic Hands", after a short period he was back at the starting line ready to make another run.

[@edvisme]

Bucket list item for me is to go from Northern Utah to Ocala, FL to stay a day, or two at the Garlits Museum. That has to be done soon. Thank you for this video, Motor Mouse.

[@alanstockley391]

What a great racer and a great man. 🇬🇧

[@pl747]

I seen him at Ontario Motor Speedway in 1974. He had the dragster on starting rollers and it would not start. He stuck his hand up and motioned to speed it up. It finally started. Ran a 5.88 record low et at the time.

[@johnhickman106]

Saw Swamp Rat 34 with my Dad do a test and tune run at Bradenton in Dec 1994, just before I joined the military. I commented, “the rear wheel housing is really narrow.” My Dad said, “anything Big Daddy builds is either ahead of its time, or a great lesson learned by all.”

[@danielbeiersr3642]

The one and only hands down, Big Daddy

[@garymcaleer6112]

As a young boy in the '60's my first book report was "King of The Dragsters" and how Don and brother Alex as kids would work on their bicycles. Everybody's gotta start somewhere. I'll never forget how Shirley Muldowney didn't have to conserve on her throttle. She was given a blank check, while Don had to take great care to preserve the components in his machines. Such is the sport. But my favorite was when Don painted a cross on his car, letting everybody know where his heart was and still is. The LORD watched over that man!

[@philc8072]

I've been to his museum numerous times growing up and now much later in life. It does take a few hours driving from where we live, but worth it. We still try and make the Gatornationals every year, and get this legends autograph. Mr. Garlits is an inspiring man that is a great role model. Those that come to Florida for a family vacation please try and go to his museum of drag racing. Let your kids see his story of setbacks and triumphs. From the early days and his horrible driveline explosion at Lyons drag strip resulting in serious injuries. But this setback was also what led Big Daddy while still in his wheel chair to start mocking up the first rear engine top fuel dragster.

[@deecocheran1227]

Don will always be the best

[@kathyclark3168]

What can you say, Big Daddy is THE one and only ♥️

[@bobk18]

Looking good Mr. Garlits. We got to see Big Daddy a few times up in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Canada’s undisputed Drag Race Capital.

[@logancarter2134]

He is a Class Act!

[@miltplum8657]

Saw you at the Bracket Nationals in Byron, illinois in 1981. You were helping rebuilding the engine and were tossing spark plugs away on the ground. This 21 year old reached down and picked up a piece of history... I also remember the hand written reasons you had inside the door of the trailer as to " Why the car won't run"...great memories!

[@Bbbuddy]

I’ve always admired his career.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

Same. Have you been to his Museum? Highly recommend it

[@newsnowmichigan4666]

@@MotorHouseChannel When I was 10 years old I worked at MotorCity Dragway cleaning the trash under the bleachers and around the concession stands. I had free reign on Sundays to go into the Pits and meet all the drivers. Big Daddy was my favorite driver because he was always nice to me and never had a problem with autographing a pic for me and the other kids. But I have to say, The Warlord and The Janitor tied for second favorites. Great to see he is doing well and maybe one day I'll get the chance to visit his Museum. Great interview and nice memories for me.

[@MotorHouseChannel]

@@newsnowmichigan4666 I haven't heard of those two, will have to check them out. If you do go take the tour with him.

[@newsnowmichigan4666]

@@MotorHouseChannel The Janitor was a White Opal GT with a V8 engine. Can't find any pics of it. : (

[@MotorHouseChannel]

@@newsnowmichigan4666 Opals were used a lot back in the day. Tempted to recreate one.

[@williammeszaros3382]

Couldn't have a better idol than Mr. Garlits !

[@rooster68able]

Man what a legend! And a hell of a guy too 💯

[@johndef5075]

Big Daddy. Greatest nickname ever.

[@kevinbirmingham3863]

And you are and you always will be one of the best drivers and thank you for putting that motor behind and save a lot of life used to go fishing with my uncle in New York Mike Clark

[@user-ts9nq5zw2j]

Just to add on, I was 15 years old when I first seeing Big Daddy in Conn, forgot the name of the town but I had a great time watching you race. I love drag racing and you always cross my mind. Mike PS I'm 72 now................

[@johnrivinius4873]

God bless you Don Gartlits. Always enjoyed meeting you and your awesome contribution to the sport