Thread: Garlits Back In Drag Racing

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Looks like Don, at age 77, hasn't had enough drag racing yet!

http://www.hemmings.com/newsletter/n...s&emlid=199048

I have generally found that fame does not necessarily apply to special people. I can't name many "heros" in my life.....but Don is one!

He was a do-it-yourselfer, self-taught, was not too proud to do the most insignifigant task, and always seemed to be thinking a step or two ahead of others. Unlike many, I feel his fame was well-earned.

That`s really cool!! I hope he runs at gatornationals.

Originally Posted by HOTRODPAINT

I have generally found that fame does not necessarily apply to special people. I can't name many "heros" in my life.....but Don is one!

He was a do-it-yourselfer, self-taught, was not too proud to do the most insignifigant task, and always seemed to be thinking a step or two ahead of others. Unlike many, I feel his fame was well-earned.

no comment.....

garlits is like earnhardt people either love him or hate him. its cool to see any of the old guys come back and watch em again.

Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

garlits is like earnhardt people either love him or hate him. its cool to see any of the old guys come back and watch em again.

HOGWASH..........There`s a big difference, Garlits could drive.

I doubt you can find anyone with a powerful enough personality to accomplish something, that doesn't ruffle someone's feathers. If a person is passive enough not to offend someone, then people would criticize them for being weak-willed!

I once watched Garlits scold his old lady in public, which I did not enjoy....but the stress of competition, or not enough sleep will do that too.

Bottom line for me is that he tuned 'em, drove the tow rig, drove the car, built his own chassis, pioneered and tested his own developments, broke records, won championships under 3-4 different sanctions, started one sanctioning body, founded a great museum for the sport, and won that "50 most important people in drag racing" pole recently....so I am not the only one who feels this way, There a few million other fans.

Some might tell me that John Force is the best. But where would he be without Austin Coil???

My favorite story is when someone commented that Garlits did not race NHRA, because he could not compete there any more.....so he simply came back next year and won the NHRA Championship. :-)~ So much for that theory!

"You are, what you do!"

Originally Posted by HOTRODPAINT

Some might tell me that John Force is the best. But where would he be without Austin Coil???

I know where he would be.....he would be without many of his round wins and championships.

Mike

Im sure he has his moments, we all do, but he is also a fairly nice guy!! I have met him a few times and every time he seemed just as happy to meet me, as i was him.

When i called the museum to schedule the forums day out meet, they wanted to find a day that he was free so he could spend the day with us. How many guys in his shoes would do that after all these years of being in the spotlight?

If you aren't awestruck with the accomplishments of guys like Garlits, Force, Prudhomme, Snow, Glidden, Ivo, and a whole host of the other pros I would say that you either A., don't appreciate the history of drag racing and how far it has come in the last 50 years, or B., you have some jealousy issues!!!!!!

You don't have to like them, but they do deserve a very large dose of respect for their accomplishments and a big thank you for making drag racing what it is!!!!!!

Neither one of the Earnhardt's could carry Don Garlits lunch pail.
Don Garlits is Drag Racing.
I've had the good fortune to talk to the man on many occasions and he was always glad that you took an interest in him and the sport.

Great to see Don still competing. Personally I think he and Force are cut from the same cloth. They both bleed nitromethane and love the sport and the fans. They are their own persons, but both deserve a lot of respect.

Pat

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 Dave Severson

If you aren't awestruck with the accomplishments of guys like Garlits, Force, Prudhomme, Snow, Glidden, Ivo, and a whole host of the other pros I would say that you either A., don't appreciate the history of drag racing and how far it has come in the last 50 years, or B., you have some jealousy issues!!!!!!

You don't have to like them, but they do deserve a very large dose of respect for their accomplishments and a big thank you for making drag racing what it is!!!!!!

Amen, Dave.

Early this morning I was trying to put together a posting saying precisely what yours does. You said it well.

From the time he burst on the scene with an outrageous 176 mph run (in what year? Some time in the late fifties?) Garlits has been THE man.

He rates a heart-felt "hats off" from all of us.

I never saw him lose his cool but, it is noted that he can.

Heck. We all can.


Jim