Don Garlits

[67chevygary]

As far as parking goes let Don park wherever he wants with the condition that Fletcher gets choice of left or right side of Garlits.

[Larry Fulton]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

With all the sportsman stackers out there that exist, I think I would give Let "Big" park wherever he wants.I think he earned that. If they were smart, NHRA would put him in Nitro Alley and get some exposure for Stockers. Could spark some renewed interest from the fans.

I'll second this!!

... and At the very least he should be able to park wherever HE WANTS TO!!

[Joe Schaechter]

At the press conference today held in Moline,IL for the 56th Annual World Series of Drag Racing, Don Garlits announced he would be making exhibition runs in his stocker while also serving as the Grand Marshall for the event. It sounds like a great way to get some seat time in before Indy, The Heartland Stock/SS Association has a race at the World Series on Sunday - maybe he will jump in and race against us?

Here is the press release from Cordova's website:

GARLITS TO PRESIDE OVER 56TH WORLD SERIES
The 56th World Series of Drag Racing will be a special affair as Big Daddy Don Garlits will preside over the festivities on Friday and Saturday, August 28 & 29.

Of course the name Big Daddy Don Garlits is synonymous with drag racing. Garlits has been dubbed the “King of Top Fuel Dragsters” and the patriarch of the class.

Garlits has won the prestigious US Nationals eight times. Other accomplishments include but are not limited to:

Car Craft Magazine Top Fuel Driver of the Year
1969, 1970, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78 & 86.

Car Craft Magazine “Man of the Year” 1969, 71, 72 & 73

American Hot Rod Association “Fuel Driver of the Year” 1971, 72, 73 & 74

Voted #1 Drag Racer for the last 50 years – NHRA 2001

17 World Championship Titles, 8 US Nationals Titles, and 144 National event wins

Big Daddy will be on hand at the World Series with a Swamp Rat Dragster and his new NHRA Dodge Stock eliminator entry. He will be making exhibitions runs throughout the event with the Stock eliminator car.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing is the oldest continuous drag race in the World. Racing begins Friday morning, August 28 with sportsman competition and continues all weekend. The feature show is scheduled for 7 PM both Friday and Saturday (Aug 28 & 29). Tickets are available in advance (at a discounted rate) at O’Reilly Auto Parts locations or at the gate day of the show. Please note that the only discounted tickets are at the O’Reilly Auto Parts locations as there are no discount coupons available for this event.

[TommyDz]

I was just at the press conference for the Cordova World Series of Drag Racing and Don is Grand Marshall of the event. He cackled Swap Rat XII and said he was going to take a run at the event in his drag pak. Yesterday I watched Larry Griffith at the dyno run his drag pak. Both should be at the track but I don't think they will race. If they both make runs it will be very interesting. Don said he thinks his will run low tens 135 mph. They both say they are working bugs out. Can't tell the dyno numbers but it pulled some impressive numbers.
Where you there Joe? I would've liked to of met you. See you at the track!

[Duane Eiskant II]

Too answer just a few of your questions there Randy.....I think "big" should be able to go atleast some mid 20's here at Indy. I doubt the guys at Chrysler would let me race with a "pig". He is with out a doubt a great pro driver but how long as it been since he had to put a dial in on the car and bracket race. Now, for all the guys worried about where he's going to park. Billy and I are lucky #7 in line to get in at the track right now. We'll save him a spot and he can park right beside us. Heck, i'll even set up a table between the two cars and get him and Sal to sign autographs for the fans......(sittin in the rain with no tv, this is going to be a boring 3 days)

[Geerhead55]

Hopefully,,,the powers at ESPN will get rid of the stupid "Sounds Of The Strip" segment and use it for some airtime on Big and his Challenger, and of course any other stockers. Afterall,,didn't they say there will be 6 hours of event coverage? Please don't make it all about John,Robert,Ashley and her stupid cat!
Danny Durham

[Randy Mullins]

i don't think he is going to be any threat to win the race. how ever i do think he will be one if not the fastest in a/sa and have good chance to win class that is unless he gets (snake bit) . i think that getting horsepower is the last thing he cares about this is most likely a one race deal to help sell some cars you might see the car a couple more times at the track then it's off to the museum just my 2 cents for what it's worth .

[Duane Eiskant II]

Randy would you please hurry up and get here..You know how hard it is to try and keep Hawk under control...I mean after all it is INDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by Geerhead55

Hopefully,,,the powers at ESPN will get rid of the stupid "Sounds Of The Strip" segment and use it for some airtime on Big and his Challenger, and of course any other stockers. Afterall,,didn't they say there will be 6 hours of event coverage? Please don't make it all about John,Robert,Ashley and her stupid cat!
Danny Durham

This brings up an interesting point......Will the NHRA show Don while racing in the stock class therefore exposing fans to stockers or will they just do an interview?

If other elder ex-pro drivers race in S, S/S will they increase their coverage to at least cover their runs? Then they would have to explain to the audience all about indexes, dial-ins, and head starts, etc.

This might turn interesting.

[Randy Mullins]

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II

Randy would you please hurry up and get here..You know how hard it is to try and keep Hawk under control...I mean after all it is INDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

duane for a person to subject themselves to 12 days and nights of get me this;hand me ,where's the remote; i can't belive old man (jim conte) ate my ice cream,who ate my last chuckles,it's to cold in here it's to hot we need to go to store we are out of colby and ginger ale .you are a person who LOVES PAIN .but i will see you guys tues. plane leaves 6 am should be at the track by 10 i feel for you but i just can't reach you.