"Big Daddy" Don Garlits gives a heartfelt rare interview
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มี.ค. 2014
- ESPN featured Don Garlits during the 2014 Gatornationals elimination show. Don gave a powerful heartfelt interview about his career and the loss of his beloved wife Pat. A must watch if you're a fan of one of the greatest drag racers of all time, Don Garlits.
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That's how every marriage should be.
Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, is not only "The Man"...But, "A MAN". RESPECT!!!!!!!!!
All of us could only wish to be half the man he is!!
I was about ten years old, around 80', maybe 81'. Was at the old Suffolk raceway. My brother inlaw walks me up to Garlits' trailer and hollard in. "Hey Big Daddy, can he (me) have your autograph?" He did more than that. Once he peared around and saw me, he said "come on in here young man". Gave me a 8 x 10 color shot of him in his rail, signed it, the whole bit. Showed me around and all. I have never forgotten it. Old white coveralls covered in oil etc. Real basic plain white trailer. I think he did three passes for exhibition with Jimmy the Greek. But what a great guy. Still have the picture he signed.
That's what real men do.and don you are a man god bless you both you will see her again.
Even here in Australia, motor sport fans know and revere this great man... A pioneer, an innovator and a legend..... a life well lived.
What a great man! Absolutely honored to have met him at the museum . He was tired and ready to close, but still gracious enough to come out of the office on my request. He asked what would you like me to sign, I had to think quick, turned around and grabbed the first shirt I could reach off the rack behind me, threw it on the counter. He smiled, signed it and asked what I liked the most at the museum and I told him the original chevy V8 drag bike of E. J Potter's (The Michigan Madman) and he said, "What a shame, you just missed meeting him by five minutes. The shirt turned out to be a triple X but I never intended to wear it anyway. Hope to someday display it in my mancave when I build it! He asked if I had seen a little old lady walking around and I said yes, He said That's my mom, The Boss of this place! LOL R. I. P. Pat Garlits and to Don my sincere Condolences.
People like this man are real heroes to me because they are faithful in their commitments.
Thank you NHRA Thank you Big Daddy, MR. and MRS Garlits a love story indeed.
I can't say enough for the character of Don Garlits. What a great human being, and a great example of a great husband.
The good Lord sent this man to us as an example to all. A man with the heart of a lion but the compassion of a woman.
Big Daddy is a real man....G#d bless him and may his wife rest in peace..... :-(
He kept his word , till death do we part.
Quick story. When younger, me and my Dad attended Drag Races around the Dallas/Ft Worth Texas area. Cant remember the year, but the now closed Green Valley Raceway. Seeing Big Daddy wrenching on a Top Fuel car. Tow rig was a pickup, and an open trailer. Awesome memory.
I had the honor and privilege to meet Big Daddy at Island Dragway in New Jersey two weeks ago on the 50th anniversary of his first 200 mph run. He has been my hero all of my life and an inspiration for so many people. Thank you Don for all you brought to the world of drag racing, you have touched so many lives. I'm sorry for the loss of your wife. May you and your family find peace in the many wonderful memories you all must have of her.
Pat garlitts.. may you rest in peace and thank you, thank you, thank you for the man we have we have today, the love you gave him is something we all wish we could aspire to. Rip pat, thank you.
I sit down one day at a car show with don what an incredibly down to earth man LOVE YA DON I wish you the best
Don, you've been an inspiration to a countless number of racing fans. Im so sorry for your loss, I just wish I could hug you and tell you in person what you have meant to me over the last 30 years. I'll be at indy this year, and I hope to see you there. If I do, I will wait 6 hours to shake your hand if that's what it takes... peace to you and your children
May God always hold her in his loving hands. RIP Pat. God be with you Don.
I met Don in the late 70's at Fremont Raceways in California. what a great man he is. I have awesome pictures of him the I shot. god bless him and his wife Pat.
This video drove me to tears. I lost my wife two years ago and we were blessed with the kind of marriage the Garlits' had. I was not a drag racer but my wife was there with me every step of the way through bad times and good, sickness and health. God bless you and your family Don.
Don, I saw you in action several times over the years, worked at the dragstrips in Denver and had the opportunity to meet and talk with you personally in the early 70's, I knew there was something VERY different about you, had nothing to do with your ability as a mechanic/driver, it was your character. You had integrity, something that was almost non-existant in the crazy ego's of drag racing (hopefully this has changed). I always appreciated that and now I truly understand why, sorry for your loss bud but happy to know you'll be together again.
Know that there was one day in her life that she was the prettiest, one day in her life that she was the most caring, one day in her life that she was the smartest, one day in her life that she was at her peak in physical health. ALL of those perfect moments will be the Pat that welcomes you home and you will possess all of those perfect moments too.
God bless you and thanks for the greatest show in drag racing, it was an incredible time.
(Fellow G Junkie)
Back in the 70's Pat was with Don at Atlanta and of course everyone including me was all about Don. I happen to look over and about 10 feet away stood Mrs. Garlits. Just got this urge to thank her for sharing Don and her life with us so I did. She was so gracious and she thanked me for my kind words. It made my day. When I heard of her passing, I spent much of the rest of the day thinking of her and Don and memories of that Dodge Doolie with her behind the wheel going to pick up Don after another run. Funny at the time you think so little of it but now they are very special memories.
Thanks to Big for being an inspiration not just on the track but as a hero and influence off the track. All our love Big!
God bless him.
My father met Don Garlits, even was interviewed by him about a car my dad worked on and My dad said he was one of the nicest men He ever met!
Big = G.O.A.T My all time favorite. Total class act all the way.
A true testament to the fact that love knows no boundaries.
Rest in Peace Pat and God Bless Don.
♡
I love this man and his wife!
Condolences to the Garlits family. May Pat Rest in God's loving care.
A heartbreak for sure. RIP Pat.....
I'm sorry for you Don,what a spiritual mate for life what a witness for the world.
I've admired Big Daddy all my life. My respect for him has grown beyond measure after seeing this.
Dons loyalty and love for his wife is moving. He is a legend and she was right there supporting him what a great team. They are inspiring. RIP Pat
Don I lost my wife 2 years ago so I know something of what your going through.I met you several years ago and know to be a strong man. Keep the faith you'll be ok.
God bless you mr. Garlits. That was a wonderful and loving tribute to her. You have been blessed.😇
Don Garlits, you have my respect.
I believe a man's word is his bond.
RIP PAT . I met Don several times in the late 80s at Milan Dragway during the Nostalgia drags and Northern Nationals. I loved Don competitiveness and his care for this great enjoyment we have called drag racing. Growing up in the 60s and 70s in a farming family Life wasn't always easy. We lost my father two years ago, and now I'm in the same boat with my own mother. We are doing the exact same thing for her, by taking care of her and keeping her home on the farm where she belongs. Cars and the tracks will always be there... Right now my mom is more important. God bless Don for what he did.
This is what a "Good Man " is .
great man...god bless
God bless you don
Don, I grew up watching you. I was expecting you to talk about drag racing. I always thought you were the Man, and I was right.
Iron American Dream on TH-cam.
Don Garlits has been hero to me my whole life..against all odds,hard work and dedication and no shame no lies and all heart..a man of his word
Pat was hugely responsible for Don making SR-14 (first rear-engine car) a success. At one point, Don had given up on the car after three months of testing, because he initially couldn't get that "Evil Little Witch" to go straight, so they actually started building another slingshot (SR-15..a front-engine car), and Pat went ballistic!She said....." Think of how many people have died driving those things, and it almost killed YOU. You need to get back on that rear-engine car......if there's anyone in the world that can make that thing work...its you".God bless you Don.
themanvj.... Your right, on all those points... however, you left one Very significant name out, the one who actually, though perhaps unwittingly... actually came up with the answer for ALL the previous attempts at building a successful back motored digger.... and were ALL plagued with the same issue... they would never go STRAIGHT, the steering was Always... Too Much.
Big and Connie (Swingle) were on their way back to the shop from Orlando after a day of frustrating test runs with SR-14 that, would Not go Straight, just like all the others that had tried and failed for the same reason.
Don thought that by making the car longer than all the previous endeavours, it would correct the issue of all the previous attempts at rear engine designs of not going Straight..... unfortunately, the longer wheelbase was Not the answer, and Don was saying to Swingle that.. "it seems like the steering is always too much..." (too much movement in the car in relation to the movement of the steering wheel/gear), to which Connie said.... "well, why don't we slow the steering down?"... and Don said "well, it's what we've been using on all the slingshots, it must be right ..." and Connie said..."well, maybe it doesn't want the same kind of steering ratio that the slingshots have got.."
So, they got back the shop, removed the steering box and replaced the gears with a slower ratio..... went back to Orlando the next day, set the track record, went straight as arrow..... and the rest is history !!
Wow!! I never heard the story and i live in Orlando. You learn something new everyday. Thanks
100% class act RIP Pat. thanks for sharing Don G
what a brilliant man and a brilliant wife by his side. god bless all of you.
Garlits is a legend in the sport of drag racing, actually spoke with him weeks after his wife’s passing. He is not only a great racer but a down to earth genuine person.
We've all learned so much from Don in the drag racing world. If I can't be as fast as Don I hope that I can at least be half the man he is to his family.
Whew... I was crying like a baby at the end.
Big Daddy is a Great Racer & Good Man R.I.P. "Pat" 😇
A Big, Big Man. Big Daddy.
God Bless you Big Daddy my thoughts and prayers go out to you .
Some years ago I had the priviledge to meet Mrs. Garlits at the museum and we had a very nice conversation...She was a very nice lady and fun to talk to...R.I.P Mrs. Garlits
Big Daddy was a true Mopar Fan!
So sad to see and hear. I had no idea Pat had passed and yes she was a very nice lady indeed. My heart goes out to Don as he truly lost his partner and soul mate. God Bless you Big Daddy and may Pat rest in peace.
And we miss you too Lewee! 😢
Big Daddy, You're the MAN!!!!
I saw you and Pat together many times over the years, and knew of the deep love you two shared, but not too many men come close to who you are. God bless you, and your daughters, and R.I.P. to the Great Lady Pat.
Remember when our heroes stayed good men even after massive success? Garlits is a hero of mine that never let me down, unlike so many others I've looked up to.
that brought a tear to my eye god bless u big daddy
Sad ending to a true love story.RIP Pat.
Been there. It is awesome, and if Big Daddy is there he will chat with you.
Love You Don! Prayers go out to you and all of your family. RIP Pat!
Dang it got something in my eye :(
I grew up watching Don race. I have always been a fan but as a family guy myself i am now a fan of not just the racer but the man himself. I live in Fl and plan to go visit his museum in three weeks. It would be a dream if i could catch him there. My son,daughter and wife will be coming along with me. My son is so excited since he is only 11 and is into gokart racing.
I met Big Daddy in the pits at Milan Dragway...1962. Still have the autograph he took time to sign for me! A Great Man...!
As much respect as I already had for Don, after watching this, I have even more. If any video ever could be called both sad and great, this one is it...
Big is a fantastic role model of how a person should be.
I came to know about big daddy Don... I was 10 or 11 my uncle use to race car's and that's how I fell in love with DRAG RACING and till this day I still LOVE it .... But for about 15 years I started racing motorcycles will I have been riding them from a small kid about 7 year's old my first love is car's but I love drag racing bike... God REST HER soul... They paved the way for us... THANK YOU TO ALL DRAG RACER GOING WAY BACK BEFORE I WAS BORN AGAIN THANK YOU ALL AND LADY'S TO
That is a great man!
god bless BIG DADDY! PAT is singin with the angels and watching over you know and awaits you in heaven some day,like she awaited your every pass and your every injury threw sickness and in health! I wish everybody would take note of your's and pat's love for eachother! when you say I do! the man upstairs is listening too--you best mean it!!! big daddy did! and so did pat!
We were at the Museum several years ago, when a pair of Yorkies ran right up to us, demanding affection. Pat was a few steps behind, Don was taking pictures of an old experimental race car from the early 60's. Pat was very sweet, we talked for a bit and Don was on his way out. She joked that it's not easy to keep up with him. They got into their Hemi Powered '40 Ford Coupe and zoomed out. She and Don left a great impression, I have been up the museum many times since it opened in 1984. It's a great place, she was such a nice woman.
I had the pleasure of meeting Don, at a Super Speed Shop, his old sponsor for many many years, in Tulsa on Admiral Blvd when I was 10 yro. I road my 20 inch bike up there lol. TY sir and condolences out to you my friend. BTW I'm now 60 yro lol.
To the 3 heartless internet trolls that voted this video thumbs down, a lonely, painful, and meaningless end for you.
What a guy. I watched him some years ago at Santa Pod. I have been an admirer for years. So sorry to hear of your loss, Don.
The trimble in his voice told the truth of his commitment, for better or worse, in sickness, in health. True love, true commitment.
A great man and a man of God. There for Pat until the end. Big Daddy is a class act.
Saddened by your loss.
My older brother and I were @ Milan Dragway in Mich. some years ago for a Detroit Dragway Reunion. It was a nice surprise to see Don Garlits there with Swamp Rat VIII, he was very gracious, telling us that, "I hadn't even Thought about Detroit Dragway in Years!" But that his grandson had said, "Let's go up there!" We're really glad he did. We spent about 10-15 minutes with him in his trailer showing us pictures & telling stories! I'll never forget it. The only negative was that they never fired the car.... And that I never got the nerve to ask him if I could just sit in the car! Grin'
I love you don-
im 61 and your one of my hero's next to Neil and buzz
+biollante62 LOL. According to few.
great Christian marriage - wonderful woman, wonderful man of his word
Yo Big Daddy, been watching you for years and always been a fan and remember putting engine"s" in the back of my plastic rail job cars when I was a kid! Now I'm a kid of 74 and sure do love all you do and your faith!
Big Daddy was and still is THE MAN. God Bless him.
Whatever else Don accomplished, was overshadowed by his love for his wife. He was a REAL MAN.
I had the privilege to watch him race at Rockingham Dragway many times. Such a great man in every aspect.
Much respect. I met don once at the museum. He just came in from a long trip and was very tired. But still was a gentleman and walked over to us and said hi.
GOD BLESS DON GARLITS AND HIS WIFE!
Aside from being the greatest Drag Racer of all time, Don and his Wife stood tall into the Heavens with Love and integrity.
Something the World today lacks. I hope to meet them both
When I get to Heaven. Much Love and blessings may the good Lord keep you strong until you are with your Wife again.
So very sorry for your loss.
Happy 90th birthday Big Daddy Don Garlits ;-)
t was a sad moment a few weeks ago when I was informed that Pat, Don's wife of 62 yrs had passed away. I had met Don last May when I was on my drive to Florida. With Freddy-Bear in my arm, I wandered through the museum for 2 1/2 hrs. Upon leaving, I heard a voice say,"What is a big guy like you doing carrying a teddybear?"
Don and I talked for 2 hrs, about our wife's, Pat being sick and her prognosis and Kathy, of her battle.
If this somehow gets shared to Don.....our fishing trip is still on, just let me know when.
Rest Peaceful Pat, we will watch over him as you have
Don's a really good guy, I've meet Him twice and both times He was very sociable. I've also been to the museum, what a place that is. He was real lucky to get a 61 year marriage, truly lucky.
God Bless Y’all. .
I have nothing but respect for Big Daddy. What an incredible career and life he's had. Hearing this story shows me everything I need to know about the kind of man he is. Like Alexander Supertramp says, "Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, is not only "The Man"...But, "A MAN" ". That says it all.
He was so consistent of safety and was troubled when any driver was injured or killed it was a big family
Big Daddy is a legend
You'll meet again one day Don. God love you brother........
Met Him Many Times,,, Got To Spend Some Quality Time With Him,,,, What You See Here,,, Is What You Get,,,, Pat and Don Are True Gifts From God,,,
Don you and your wife are true great americans I'm sure she will be missed but will always be in our memories God rest her soul.
People forget those words after they are married..........A True man/husband right there.
A real gentleman
I talked to Don about this a few years ago and now I'm in the safe situation. Thank you for your inspiration !!
Thats a real man!
God bless Don garlits . A big reason that I still love racing
Class act.