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Donald Glenn Garlits (born January 14, 1932, Tampa, Florida) is an American race car driver and automotive engineer. Considered the father of drag racing, he is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world.
- Why is Don Garlits called Big Daddy?
- What happened to Don Garlits?
- When did Don Garlits become famous as Big Daddy?
- How old is Don Garlin?
- Did Don Garlits get married?
- Who had the first rear engine dragster?
- Who is Darrell Gwynn?
- Who invented dragsters?
- What town is Big Daddy Don Garlits Museum in?
Why is Don Garlits called Big Daddy?
Though not the beginning of his story, the origin of his namesake came circa 1962. Already married with two daughters, other drivers jokingly referred to him as “Daddy” Don Garlits at the racetrack. Playful joke turned to long-lasting endearment when “Big Daddy” won, setting numerous speed records.
What happened to Don Garlits?
Garlits was forced to retire from racing in 1992 – at the age of 60 – due to a detached retina in his eye. He made two brief comebacks in 1998 and again in 2003, attaining a personal best of 323 mph in 4.7 seconds (on a quarter-mile, before NHRA scaled back Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars to 1,000-foot lanes).
When did Don Garlits become famous as Big Daddy?
NHRA announcer Bernie Partridge tagged Garlits with the famous and favorable "Big Daddy" nickname at the 1962 U.S. Nationals. In the 1950s, when Garllits broke speed barriers and whipped the Southern Californians with his crude Swamp Rat I, they called him "Tampa Don," "Don Garbage," and "Swamp Rat."
How old is Don Garlin?
Donald Glenn Garlits (born January 14, 1932, Tampa, Florida) is an American race car driver and automotive engineer. Considered the father of drag racing, he is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world.
Did Don Garlits get married?
Big Daddy Don Garlits Is Getting Married, and You Can Go to the Wedding. If you follow the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing page on Facebook (and if you don't, what's wrong with you? Go! Follow it!), then you already know that Big Daddy and his girlfriend, Lisa Crigar, got engaged on Valentine's Day 2015.
Who had the first rear engine dragster?
Don Garlits first rear engine dragster. Photo by Bill Sansing | Drag racing, Big daddy, Classic cars.
Who is Darrell Gwynn?
Champion, Spokesperson, and Leader. As a world champion drag racer in the 1980s, Darrell Gwynn was at the top of his game and chose to donate a portion of his winnings to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. ... In April 1990, his life changed dramatically after a devastating racing accident which caused his paralysis.
Who invented dragsters?
1954: The first purpose-built, front-engine dragster (rail job, digger, slingshot…) was built by Mickey Thompson. The driver sat on or behind the rear wheels, with the engine far back in the frame. Slingshots were the gold standard of speed until the early 1970s.
What town is Big Daddy Don Garlits Museum in?
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is located at 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, Florida, just off Interstate 75.
