Big Daddy: The Autobiography of Don Garlits

The biography of Big Daddy Don Garlits, a farm boy who grew up during World War II on a dairy in Tampa, Florida. The story of how this young man without formal education, but with tremendous natural mechanical ability, became the greatest drag racer of all time. It is an American hero story told during a time when heroes in America are in short supply. Ride with Donald Glenn Garlits, the 18 year old, fresh out of high school, careening down the back roads & abandoned air strips in the Tampa Bay area in his souped up 40 Ford convertible. Follow Don up the ladder of success from the jeers of the Wild Californians, to the cheers of his fans during his first national win at Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1964. Feel the dejection & hurt of failure after months of hard work on a new idea, only to see it fail, severing part of his right foot in the process; yet come back to design the rear engine dragster, the single greatest accomplishment of his entire career. Experience the thrill & the terror of some of the worst high speed crashes in the history of drag racing. In the beginning, the crowds & competitors hurled such insults as swamp rat, garbage Don, etc., but finally they screamed Big Daddy, we love you!! It didn't happen overnight, in fact the book spans a 40 year career in the life of this remarkable man who was deemed at his high school graduation most likely to fail. Don Garlits married Patricia Bieger in 1953, together they raised two fine daughters, Gay Lyn & Donna.