Garlits, Donald G. ("Big Daddy")
Drag racing
b. Jan. 14, 1932, Tampa, FL
Considered the "father of drag racing" because of his innovations as well as his skill, Garlits became involved in the sport as a teen-ager, when races were often run on streets. He is credited with developing the rear-engine "top fuel" dragster and he also designed the first full-body, fire-resistant suit.
Garlits, a top competitor well into his fifties, won 35 top fuel events in National Hot Rod Association competition, fifth on the all-time list. He was the first driver to win three NHRA national titles, in 1964, 1965, and 1968, and he won world championships in 1975, 1985, and 1986, when he was fifty-two years old.
In 1964, Garlits became the first drag racer to surpass 200 miles an hour. He broke the 240 barrier in 1973, the 250 barrier in 1975, and the 270 barrier in 1986.