Thread: Garlits Back In Drag Racing

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I saw Garlits race at Englishtown, Island Dragway (yes, it's were he broke the 200 MPH barrier) and many other tracks. Saw all the greats - Ronnie Socks, Jenkins, Dyno Don, Mark Oswald, Richard Tharp and more guys than I can list. My favorite was John "the ZooKeeper" Mulligan.
But to say the Dale Earnhart Sr. couldn't drive is JUST WRONG on so many levels !!!!!!

When I posted several hundred pictures on here years back. There were a few that I dont think I threw on here, I think these were 2 of them. It took me a while but I found them. My dad took these on a very particular day in Dons career in racing. Can anyone tell me the importance of this day in history, and what followed later on for Don that day. One hint is it was the U.S. Nationals, the clue is also in the 1st picture only, the 2nd is just a Don bonus shot for ya.

Originally Posted by mooneye777

Can anyone tell me the importance of this day in history, and what followed later on for Don that day. One hint is it was the U.S. Nationals, the clue is also in the 1st picture only, the 2nd is just a Don bonus shot for ya.

Hmmmmm...................I'm seeing images in the mist........1967.....the number 6.........oh, and the name Gillette.

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Hmmmmm...................I'm seeing images in the mist........1967.....the number 6.........oh, and the name Gillette.

Good job Bob, Right on the chin hair.

I wounder where the name swamp RAT came from? I could be totally wrong but remember hearing rumors of him building cars for others that were set up to lose. But just like John I dont get all the hype of these jokesters.

Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

I wounder where the name swamp RAT came from? I could be totally wrong but remember hearing rumors of him building cars for others that were set up to lose. But just like John I dont get all the hype of these jokesters.

Set up a dragster loose??? Think with the solid rear end bolted directly to the frame about the only way you could "loosen" the car is putting too much air in the tires..... Certainly no Garlits historian, did he run a 4 bar or swingarm dragster?? Saw a few of his cars in action, they were all solid rears?????? Heck, I didn't even know he built cars for others.......who were some of his customers????