"Big Daddy" Don Garlits gives a heartfelt rare interview

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Күн бұрын

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.

Пікірлер: 187

@WomenThrowinLeather 8 жыл бұрын

That's how every marriage should be.

@alexandersupertramp7353 6 жыл бұрын

Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, is not only "The Man"...But, "A MAN". RESPECT!!!!!!!!!

@bradadkins5430 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@jimboskip 9 жыл бұрын

That's what real men do.and don you are a man god bless you both you will see her again.

@edwardmiller9038 10 жыл бұрын

All of us could only wish to be half the man he is!!

@Dallas-Nyberg 9 жыл бұрын

Even here in Australia, motor sport fans know and revere this great man... A pioneer, an innovator and a legend..... a life well lived.

@duradim1 7 жыл бұрын

People like this man are real heroes to me because they are faithful in their commitments.

@LANDSEAAIRCANADA 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you NHRA Thank you Big Daddy, MR. and MRS Garlits a love story indeed.

@theSword- 8 жыл бұрын

I can't say enough for the character of Don Garlits. What a great human being, and a great example of a great husband.

@remowilliams623 10 жыл бұрын

May God always hold her in his loving hands. RIP Pat. God be with you Don.

@davidmarshallburr5106 8 жыл бұрын

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)

@nerktwins7023 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@DougZeiger1952 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@keithj1834 10 жыл бұрын

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

@TheAmerican1963 6 жыл бұрын

Big Daddy is a real man....G#d bless him and may his wife rest in peace..... :-(

@kevet1968 7 жыл бұрын

I love this man and his wife!

@Guardducks 5 жыл бұрын

He kept his word , till death do we part.

@wkmac2 10 жыл бұрын

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!

@fullstrutn 8 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry for you Don,what a spiritual mate for life what a witness for the world.

@stacykrausmann583 9 жыл бұрын

A true testament to the fact that love knows no boundaries. Rest in Peace Pat and God Bless Don. ♡

@vince065us 9 жыл бұрын

God bless him.

@christopherbeen2358 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@thomasmoje5926 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@N72Pilot 10 жыл бұрын

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.

@sbc388550 9 жыл бұрын

Condolences to the Garlits family. May Pat Rest in God's loving care.

@BOATINDOCTOR 6 жыл бұрын

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

@jhaeck1 9 жыл бұрын

great man...god bless

@jfrockon 10 жыл бұрын

A heartbreak for sure. RIP Pat.....

@timsebastian5758 6 жыл бұрын

God bless you mr. Garlits. That was a wonderful and loving tribute to her. You have been blessed.😇

@GuapoGonzo 10 жыл бұрын

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.

@1ls376 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@MH-on8ol 7 жыл бұрын

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

@RobbinsJoe 10 жыл бұрын

Big = G.O.A.T My all time favorite. Total class act all the way.

@kenwilson4477 5 жыл бұрын

I've admired Big Daddy all my life. My respect for him has grown beyond measure after seeing this.

@TheDman216 8 жыл бұрын

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

@redsoxkevin 10 жыл бұрын

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!

@marcfields4375 10 жыл бұрын

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.

@thevmanvj 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@Romans--bo7br 7 жыл бұрын

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 !!

@arrivendrive6831 5 жыл бұрын

Wow!! I never heard the story and i live in Orlando. You learn something new everyday. Thanks

@jamiemctaggart8971 10 жыл бұрын

God bless you don

@ericheine2414 4 жыл бұрын

Don Garlits, you have my respect. I believe a man's word is his bond.

@tomdrennanbike 10 жыл бұрын

100% class act RIP Pat. thanks for sharing Don G

@ryanbritt9806 9 жыл бұрын

what a brilliant man and a brilliant wife by his side. god bless all of you.

@BooCooDaBreeze 10 жыл бұрын

A Big, Big Man. Big Daddy.

@eddythomas5771 7 жыл бұрын

This is what a "Good Man " is .

@051570orion 10 жыл бұрын

God Bless you Big Daddy my thoughts and prayers go out to you .

@MrLewjohnson59 8 жыл бұрын

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.

@fishgeralding9224 4 жыл бұрын

And we miss you too Lewee! 😢

@N4MDB73 10 жыл бұрын

Big Daddy is a Great Racer & Good Man R.I.P. "Pat" 😇

@duckman195 10 жыл бұрын

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.

@Buelligan88 9 жыл бұрын

Whew... I was crying like a baby at the end.

@jasongregory9172 10 жыл бұрын

that brought a tear to my eye god bless u big daddy

@ericheine2414 7 жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq.

@70stunes71 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@glenniz1 10 жыл бұрын

Love You Don! Prayers go out to you and all of your family. RIP Pat!

@embassyhotel 7 жыл бұрын

Big Daddy was a true Mopar Fan!

@ccvair 5 жыл бұрын

Dang it got something in my eye :(

@Pr3ct 10 жыл бұрын

Been there. It is awesome, and if Big Daddy is there he will chat with you.

@tommybdutton 8 жыл бұрын

That is a great man!

@rinin16 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@12121149 8 жыл бұрын

Sad ending to a true love story.RIP Pat.

@x1134x 9 жыл бұрын

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.

@wheels2199 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@milojanis4901 Жыл бұрын

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...

@patman5961 10 жыл бұрын

To the 3 heartless internet trolls that voted this video thumbs down, a lonely, painful, and meaningless end for you.

@timhollamby8728 2 жыл бұрын

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

@lw216316 9 жыл бұрын

great Christian marriage - wonderful woman, wonderful man of his word

@desertwalker425 10 жыл бұрын

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!

@arrivendrive6831 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@oc2phish07 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@catchtwentytwo643 4 жыл бұрын

Big is a fantastic role model of how a person should be.

@MrSkegman 9 жыл бұрын

I love you don- im 61 and your one of my hero's next to Neil and buzz

@theprofessorfate6184 8 жыл бұрын

+biollante62 LOL. According to few.

@josecruz2701 2 жыл бұрын

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

@duckmangooo7376 Жыл бұрын

The trimble in his voice told the truth of his commitment, for better or worse, in sickness, in health. True love, true commitment.

@davidtimms3201 3 жыл бұрын

A great man and a man of God. There for Pat until the end. Big Daddy is a class act.

@davidsaxton4384 2 жыл бұрын

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...!

@robertgreen9150 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@jimfranks3640 10 жыл бұрын

Saddened by your loss.

@MrUltraworld 9 жыл бұрын

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.

@fredstephens5812 10 жыл бұрын

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

@arttrombley7385 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@waynewilliams8554 2 жыл бұрын

I talked to Don about this a few years ago and now I'm in the safe situation. Thank you for your inspiration !!

@jkw427 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@donaldheitger6731 4 жыл бұрын

Big Daddy was and still is THE MAN. God Bless him.

@jasonwells2988 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@BigWheelHawaii 4 жыл бұрын

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,,,

@timw4369 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@PapillonMom2003 10 жыл бұрын

So very sorry for your loss.

@kcav5374 4 жыл бұрын

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'

@Rory1948 2 жыл бұрын

Happy 90th birthday Big Daddy Don Garlits ;-)

@rottman88 4 жыл бұрын

I had the privilege to watch him race at Rockingham Dragway many times. Such a great man in every aspect.

@BruceLee-zd9bw 4 жыл бұрын

Wow!!!! My god, what a sad sad story, and what a true gentleman. Total respect. 🙏🙏🙏

@iggyfritz7150 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@beebop9808 Жыл бұрын

You'll meet again one day Don. God love you brother........

@UAL012 3 жыл бұрын

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.