http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnX-XWK6K1E

A one hour long video blast from the past. A must watch.

Published on Apr 17, 2012
A look into the close calls of Don Garlits' life and racing career. All credits to Main Event Video and Dean Papadeas.

That video host has a bunch of vintage vids on his page.. Good find

John jr

Thanks John,
Garlit has a lot of heart. Always looked up to him growing up.

Great find! Gartlits has always been my favorite racer. I will never forget the first time I met him. I was ~8 yrs old then. This was back in the early 80's. We were on a family vacation and stopped in Ocala at his drag racing museum. When leaving, we walked past the race shop and the doors were open. Inside were two Supershop sponsored swamp rats. My pops asked the gentleman walking by if he could take a picture of his son by the race car. He said "sure, would you like me in it?" My pops replied, "sure, why not." A few months later we figured out that it was Big Daddy! After that, I was hooked and joined the swamp rat fan club. After that we caught a few nationals and watched many races on TV. Fast forward to a few years ago, I heard was doing an appearance/ autograh signing at the local car dealership. While most had die casts cars for signing, I showed up with that picture still in frame from way back then. It as really cool when I explained to him who the young kid was in the picture. I think we were both humbled by the moment. I think he was really surprised. It wads real cool experience!
Jr.

Nice experience Jr.

The most exciting run I thought Don made was in Swamp Rat 30 when he blew over, turned 180* out standing straight up on the fatties , landed up right, then he did a burn out while the car was in reverse that slowed it down. When he came rolling out of the smoke, pointed back at the start line gave me goose bumps sand paper wouldn't remove.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcVzJxaYRM

I am not to good with writing words but, it was so cool to have a story/experience come full circle. Mostly all in line were there getting die cast cars signed so they could probably sell on ebay.. It was so cool to walk up next in line with an old photo still in the gold gay 80's frame. Don really paused to study the pictures to figure out which swamp rats were in it.. Like I said above, it was a real cool experience for both of us....

Great find! I'll have to watch it in small parts though...


Have you read his autobiography? It is a great read. My favorite part is the story of the early fuel systems that couldn't keep up. They used a hand pump in the cockpit to get the more power in high gear. Imagine shifting gears and then pumping a hand pump.... So Don and his boys get's the bright idea to use a larger fuel tank and pressurize it with compressed air to force the fuel into the engine. He set a few records before the competition caught on.

Condolences for Pat. What a wonderful lady.

Met him in Edmonton Alberta, nice guy.. Do remember he took the time so say "Thanx for the support, signed something and shook my hand" 40 yrs later, still remember his coolness. Paul Newman also there, not as cool.