Held at gun point because of the HEMI 426-Big Daddy Don Garlits stories-7
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- Опубліковано 12 січ 2024
- The greatest name in Drag racing details how he was held at gun point as a racing promoter felt cheated, as Big Daddy struggled with the "new Hemi 426". On top of that, this was after a complete year of humiliation, in which Chris Karamesines, "The Greek" beat him 23 times in a row!
Yes, the 426 was developed for NASCAR racing, mostly for reliability during long superspeedway races. The most significant engine in drag racing was not as good as the old legendary HEMI 392. Hear all the details of how the 426 became the greatest drag racing engine from the mouth of the man who did it, Don Garlits. After all, he almost loose his life in the process! - Авто та транспорт
I was there at National Trails Raceway when Big Daddy didn't make the 200mph. I took a picture of that dragster that day and nearly 45 years later I took that picture to the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. I saw Don Garlits there and showed him the picture. He told me the exact same story and autographed the picture for me. That old picture is one of my prized possessions.
Wow, that is the memory of a lifetime! We are very privileged that he still around. Thanks for sharing.
Tried to meet big at his museum, no luck like you had. LUCKY YOU.
@@kenneymitchell1186 When I meet him there is usually a scheduled event. One time I was leaving the museum and he was picking up his mail. One of the employees told me he likes to show up on Fridays to sign checks. He does not live in the premises anymore, and family members run the museum for him.
@@Viva-la-Maquina Thanks for the tip! A very nice woman at the museum told me that they have a big dodge Chrysler event, ya know HEMI MAN, I'm a Chevy man, except when I at Big Daddy's place. I hope to go to the Chrysler meet that Don sponsors.
An absolute legend ... That was really a treat to hear him speak of his experiences... Just awesome!!!
You can tell by the look on his face that he still gets the same thrill today as he did 50 years ago.
Don is Drag Racing Royalty
He tells the same stories year after year, and they do not change much. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and share this with others!
Bless this man, 92 yrs old and still sharp as a tack!
Yes indeed! Mostly deaf but still moves ok. Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
@@Viva-la-Maquina Deaf? What a surprise. I'm deaf too and I didn't listen to a top fuel hemi for all the years he did.
I had heard this story before but watching Big Daddy tell the story was great. What a Legend
Be sure to watch all the other stories told by the man himself. Thanks for watching.
They don't call him "Big Daddy" for nothing! Don Garlits is a living legend. I could listen to his stories all day.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
I could listen to Don for hours.
Same here! Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
There will Never be another !
That is right! Thanks for watching.
Awesome to hear this story from the man himself ! Thanks for putting it on here.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This man is mesmerizing on a National scale. His stories hold your interest and attention the whole time. I am 64 years old and have most of my cars from the 70s still. A 70 GTX and 70 Challenger. Many a street racing stories I tell about those good old days. Go to your local car shows and cruise ins. Walk around and listen to these old timers and you will hear stories that will make you stop and want to hear more about the days they ruled the streets in their small towns. Thank you Don for sharing your memories with us. Each year that goes by these legends either like Don or on a smaller scale your old car enthusiasts are passing away. Enjoy them while they are here. This is Americana.
Man, you are preaching to the choir! That is what our channel is about, going out there and finding those folks with the great stories. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing this video!! Mr. Garlits is a national treasure and has the best stories!! I highly recommend seeing his drag racing museum!!
We agree!
Don...it's an absolute pleasure listening to all your stories. How you can state precise E.T.'s and MPH from 50, 60 years ago tells me how much it meant to you. I would sure enjoy listening to audio tape(s) of any of your tales, you could jump in at Any year, wouldn't matter. I'm 67 and have followed you from the time I discovered Hot Rod magazine etc. 'til now. It's been awesome following your success and tenacity. Don Garlits...You Are The Man! 👍✌️🇨🇦
On behalf of Don, thanks for your kind words. I am a fan just like you and made it a purpose to document as much of the man as long as he still around. We listen for entertainment, but the young generation need to hear this, and learn about work ethic and how a real sports icon should behave in and out of the spotlight. Share with others, like and subscribe. Thanks
I smiled the entire time he was telling this story
Me too, even I was kneeling between a tire and a motor cart. But I knew it was Gold!
Living Legend and looks absolutely amazing for his age, Awesome to see Big Daddy still Go’n Strong 🏁🏁🏁🏁
Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
Happy Birthday Big, you are drag racing!
Thanks for watching!
Pure Deluxe Bad Ass!
The Man is the G.O.A.T.
Period!
National treasure to say the least! Please share and subscribe. Thanks for watching.
I'm so glad the man is still with us. How things have changed since the days of Big Daddy. As a boy, eleven years old in '68 the first book report I ever did was, "King of the Dragsters” by Don Garlits. I read how he and his brother, Alex started out working on bicycles. So I went out and starting working on my dad's Toro lawnmower: it was the only lawnmower in the neighborhood that would pull a wheelie! It would rest on the trailer hitch. (:^D
What a great idea!, I should have done it too. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and share this with others!
My brother & i met him and his grandson @ the Detroit Dragway Reunion @ Milan Dragway in Milan, Michigan in 2014 and he told us this story and others as he showed us pictures inside a small enclosed trailer that he'd carried Swamp Rat VIII in.
I followed him all my live, but it was until recently I learned he was such a great story teller! Can you endure a two-hour presentation in the Florida heat, where you are the only presenter? At 91? He was born in January 14, 1932.
Some years ago I went to a Mopar show at Big Daddy's, he was in the back shop and got in a talking mood just about the time I showed up. I stood mesmerized for likely 45mins. as he told story on story.
Until I started these videos, I did not know he was such a storyteller. I plan to see him this March, so subscribe and hit the notification bell so you do not miss the stories. thanks for watching.
I spoke with Don twice in my life, both times I was working at Milan Dragway 1987-97.
He was touring making exhibition runs in Swamp Rat 1 i believe.
I was waiting in line at the concession stand and this guy asked what i was going to eat? Two chili dogs with mustard I said. We chatted a little, I got my dogs, he said shook my hand and said I was doing a good job at head of staging and I said thanks, have a great day. The whole time I was thinking, MAN, I know this guy and the voice was like I knew him as family! At this time someone shouted out, "Hey, Big Daddy!" LOL
Most down to earth, humble guy You ever want to meet!!!
That is great. Seems that he still had some hearing back then. Thanks for sharing.
I read this in his book, these are almost the same words he wrote in the book. So good to hear it from his mouth. Mr. Garlits, these stories are what i live for. I've been to Byron IL, I can picture you doing this.
Thanks. And I am going to see the man in a week and film some more.
The man is a legend.
I could hear him talk all day about racing.
Great! Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you do not miss the new videos coming.
I read the story about the gun in a hotrod magazine years ago quite funny. Now i get it from the man himself. GREAT STORY. ❤❤
Yes, this is as real as it gets!
John Force has been "the man" for 30 years or so but Garlits' contributions to drag racing for what, 70 years? - will never be equaled. One of these days I'm determined to visit his museum. Look at the muscle tone that 92 year old guy still has....I wasn't buffed like that when I was 25.
The museum is a bucket list item for car enthusiasts. Thanks for watching.
Always remember Big Daddy at tampa drags..60s..one incredible man..glad he is still around..brings so many memories to light..😊
Right on
My dad tells some stories about Garlits and Roush like he used to race with them. A year or so ago one of his highschool buddies came to visit. Dude, they used to race with them. Frankie told a story about how they "borrowed" one of Roushes race engines for a few weeks. Dad and Frankie used to run a wrecker back in the day. They had access to all kinds of cool parts. Dad has some pictures of his 67 mustang coupe with 390 in it and a tripower off a 406 thunderbird on it. Looked mean.
Thanks for sharing the great story. I wonder the conditions in which the engine was “borrowed”?
@@Viva-la-Maquina roush was traveling a little for some races. They took it off the stand for too play for a few weeks. Roush got in a pinch and needed it in a hurry, middle of the night. One of those pulled and loaded the engine in 20 mins at 1am kinda stories.
Thank you Don, and VLM, for the stories. Super interesting, entertaining, and keep them coming. :D
Thanks, will do!
I make it up to Don's place every year or so, he changes out cars pretty frequently. I was there on my honeymoon in 1984. it had just opened.
I am there frequently, so I got a yearly pass!
Don is a legend! Love listening to his stories.
After telling the same stories for decades he developed them to perfection. Not what I expected for somebody in their 90’s! Please subscribe and hit the notification bell if you do not want to miss out next video. Thanks for watching!
Thank You for capturing and sharing these amazing stories from an absolute drag racing legend (and super nice guy!)
Glad you like them. If you subscribe and click the notification bell you will be notified when we post the next one. Thanks for watching!
How to try and blow up an engine then set records.😆
Dude is a living legend! Replacment not found . Bigg Daddy will always be the Top dog 4 me . Mopar Moorman said so !
Yes indeed! Thanks for watching. Remember to share the video!
Love you Don. This is great. You are the man. Great info.
Great story. More than an engineer, Dan Garlits is an innovator.
He inherited a lot of the engineering thinking from his DAD. His Dad was in the GE team that came up with the oscillating fan and the electric iron.
Don Gartlis king of the 1320.....bar none!
Such a hero. Love his museum but love his racing history more. He used to come to our home track at Speed World in Orlando. Such a presence he has. What a life.
I believe in 2018 he was there with the electric dragster. Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
That much passion after all of these years. I read the story about the timing before but hearing it right from his mouth it was even better.
Yes, this is not taken from anywhere else, or put together by AI. This was me filming the story straight from the man himself.
The one and only period
Amén. Thanks for watching!
My wife and i got a personal tour of his museum in the 80's, he would do test and tunes at the Gainesville raceway back then on Wednesday nights for years. He is quite the story teller, all true.
Lucky that your wife like this. Thanks for watching! Share this with others. See my other Garlits videos.
Such a cool and humble guy that has done so much for the sport of drag racing 🙏🏻
He is very frugal and enjoys a simple life. Thanks for watching
I love this story of the spark advance...
Reality is sometimes bigger than fiction!
That man’s a treasure
Yes Indeed. Be sure to subscribe, like and share you you do not miss the rest.
THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!! WHAT A STORY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE NEVER BE HEARD !! WOW
That is right! Stay tuned for more in the near future!
I got to see Big Daddy run several times.....this man is a genius and has very little fear. My specialty, since I was a chemist, was mixing up nitromethane loads and figuring out how much to put thru the injectors vs. putting some thru the hat....amazing the difference certain factors can make.
Interesting! Which was your biggest challenge dealing with nitromethane?
I can still remember seeing him race when I was a teenager, great guy.
Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
😊😊@@Viva-la-Maquina
hes so good for his age!
Yes, his 92th birthday was this past January 14th. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and share this with others!
Fantastic video and story.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. If you like this kind of content subscribe and hit the notification bell so you do not miss the next one.
I was at your museum some yrs back AWESOME JUST LIKE YOU
I will try to pass the message to Big Daddy. Is the best drag racing museum in the world.
I remember him at Detroit dragway in the sixties when he broke 200 mph i think he did 204 that was a big deal
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good stories , from the man.
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Love me some Big Daddy!!!
Such a great story much love from ohio and I’ve been back in the day to national trail race track
I bet that was a load of fun! Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and share this with others!
Great stories!
So far we have seven like this, and multiple videos. This March we will be meeting with Big Daddy again and bring you more stories. Subscribe and press the notification button so you do not miss them. Thanks for watching.
@@Viva-la-Maquina Great job!
Awesome! The freaking LEGEND!
And a legend at 92! Thanks for watching!
great video
Glad you enjoyed it. Share it with likely minded people.
What an amazing story
The 60's sound like the old west!
Thanks...
You're welcome! Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and press the bell so you will not miss our next video.
What a trail blazer!
Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and share this with others!
Legend!!
He is. Thanks for watching!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON!
Big Daddy is 92!! Thanks for watching.
LEGEND! 😎
Yes indeed. Thanks for watching.
His memory is flawless. Viva Big Daddy!
His stories are very consistent, and he relives each one!
I am now 60, I got his autograph as a kid in the early 70’s at Oxford Plains Dragway!
Awesome! Thanks for Watching!
Love big daddy
Thanks for watching!
That's a legend !
We need more people like him. Thanks for watching! Remember to share with others!
One the best Men in Motorsports
He set the bar high. Thanks for Watching!
Racing is in my blood.. but don't have $ spirit is definitely there,❤ you Daddy
Thanks for watching!
Great story on how they got the dog 426 to run good
I am glad I found it, as it was lost for months. Glad to share it! Thanks for Watching!
The Great One.
Best ever! Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
This story with the track owner sounds like the old professional wrestling confrontations with the territory promoters.
Yes. That is sometimes the price of having more freedom. Many racers resisted the sanctioning bodies like the NHRA because the rules and restrictions but with NHRA events you do not deal with this anymore.
I'm really an oval track fan but i have interest in Don because of his early work with Mopars. It's said that he got his first advice on building the Gen 1 Hemi's of the late 50's from NASCAR great Lee Petty (father of Richard). I just wonder if Don ever tried anything with the big block Wedge head mill ?
Funny you mention, as in my latest video, Don tell us about his call to Lee Petty in his early years, and how they stayed friends for life.
When I was 9 my dad and I were driving to Miami from Birmingham Alabama so I could see my mom and sister and we stop at the Big Daddys Museum I still remember that day at 9 I loved cars and so did my dad we were making the trip in a hopped up 1980 corvette l82 black with tan interior the motor was built by hesco in birmingham and built trans I loved that car it made me feel like it was the fastest car around because none of my dads buddy's cars were faster and it would bark the tires from the 1-2 shift and if was just rite 2-3 shift to my dad had the overdrive trans installed don't know if it was 700r4 or 200 all I know is in 1986 his brother got a 86 corvette and my dad smoked it off the line and top end
Cool story. Thanks for sharing and watching!
Big daddy is the man💯‼️💪🏼🤠⚙️⚙️⚙️⚙️⚙️
Yes, he is!
Don three sheets in the wind ! I really enjoyed this ! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it! Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
My dad was like if it can go faster than next guy next weekend n your always there 🎉
If you like this be sure to share it with fellow gear heads. Thanks for watching!
For 75 years, those 45s were sidearms in the Army...
Big chunk of steel. You do not need to shoot it to kill somebody with it!
I actually heard all the stories over my history n dad always shift the gears to the end you definitely know him .,I have racing blood in me ..
Thanks for sharing!
What a great guy 😊
Sports icons should take notice of this frugal, simple man! Viva Garlits!
Damn and I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast. Truly the coolest guy ever!
The stories have remained the same for years, according to old timers that heard them decades ago! Thanks for watching! Remember to check all my other Garlits videos. Subscribe. thanks
These are classic stories. I think Big Daddy forgot to mention that since 40 degrees of timing advance was good after his attempted blow it up run, 10 more degrees would be better!!! His crew chief was against bumping the timing some more to 52 degrees. Well it worked. The modern Top Fuel HEMIs are making 11 to 12,000 HP. Don's Museum is a great place you could spend days in there. This looks like his special tour he gives only some days a week.
Is very difficult to get on one of those tours! They fill up quick! Thanks for Watching!
3 Oceanview Ave apt 1 keansburg nj I feel the need for speed...🤣❤️
Don is the king of drag racing.
You are correct! Thanks for Watching!
Do you remember my dad ,? Billy Doyle., 57 Chevy m/s I have heard all the stories... must hit home...
Thanks for watching!
That’s the first time I’ve ever heard Big swear!
me too, disappointed -
His swearing is very limited to few words, and he checks first if there any woman present.
Wow!
I am so glad I found this lost video from months ago! Even though my back and knees were killing me, as I kneeled beside him, I was smiling, because I knew this was Gold!
" LEGEND "!
Better yet, living legend! Thanks for watching
Me n dad went to E town n went to the bathroom n who was next non other than John Force he was like you gotta ride?
The Real Deal Big Daddy Don!
WE GREW UP WITH THE BEST
Yes we did! Share, like, and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for watching.
92 years old. My gosh, this guy is amazing! Looks and sounds like he's in his 50s or 60s. I may start inhaling some nitro methane if that's the result! 😆🤣🤣
Is difficult to believe! His passion for the machines is what keep him in top shape. Maybe we need to follow his example. Screw Peloton and Keto!
I love to watch drag races. I got to go to the last NHRA in Houston recently. I think I might be just a little too novice to understand something he said though. What did he mean about rear-engine cars? I thought all dragsters were rear engine. Does it mean something different than the engine is in the rear?
Oh yes, he is the one that made everybody change to rear engine in 1970, and he has half of his foot missing to prove it. Please continue to watch all of our Garlits videos and you will enjoy it. Thanks for watching.
Cool story and that water he was drinking. Zephyrhills water try some I live in Virginia and order it. it’s better than Deer park really good water
Pulled out of the ground not too far from the museum.
@@Viva-la-Maquina good stuff
Don is a real drag racer cuz he built and worked on his cars Don John Force was my best drag race s ❤
Big Daddy did it his way. His business, he designed the car, built it, raced it and tuned it. Thanks for watching.
Thats funny.
Don trying to blow up a 426 figured out what the sweet spot for the 426. 😂
Yes, this story sounds similar to the one when they figure out how to make the rear engine dragster straight by slowing the steering! Thanks for watching, Remember to share with fellow Garlits fans!
Still the biggest legend in drag racing.
Yes he is, No doubt! Thanks for watching!
The man priceless
Yes indeed! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you do not miss out on the next ones. Thanks
I need a ride....😁
Facebook?
Are all the stories about the original place you lit the tire's up are true? I have to know !
You mean the bleach box? Thanks for watching!
Back when top fuel motors where sexy
Indeed. When innovation and imagination was still used. Thanks for watching. Please share, and like.
So the Chrysler guy was right! It just needed tuning. :)
Correct. Big Daddy got further help from NASCAR Lee Petty, father of Richard.
I swear Don has nitro for blood
After inhaling it for so long I am sure of that.
GARLITS FOR CONGRESS!
I will vote for that! I remember hearing that in the 70's.