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Don Garlits

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American drag racing driver

United StatesAthletesBorn 1932 · age 94
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Momentum0.6
Languages6
In century#119,689

Donald Glenn Garlits is an American race car driver and automotive engineer. Born in Tampa, Florida, Garlits is considered the godfather of drag racing, he is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world.

Also inDeutsch

Photos 2

Awards 2

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Eagle Scout

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About this person

Donald Glenn Garlits is an American race car driver and automotive engineer. Born in Tampa, Florida, Garlits is considered the godfather of drag racing, he is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world. A pioneer in the field of drag racing, he perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster, an innovation motivated by the loss of part of his foot in a dragster accident. This design was notably safer since it put most of the fuel processing and rotating parts of the dragster behind the driver. The driver was placed in front of nearly all the mechanical components, thus protecting him and allowing him to activate a variety of safety equipment in the event of catastrophic mechanical failure or a fire. Garlits was an early promoter of the full-body, fire-resistant Nomex driving suit, complete with socks, gloves, and balaclava.

Country
United States
Category
Athletes
Type
Athlete
Status
living
Dates
Born 1932 · age 94
Written about in
6 languages

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