Donald Glenn Garlits, better known as Don Garlits, is a race car driver and automotive engineer from the United States. He is known as “Big Daddy” to drag racing fans all over the world.
He is considered the father of drag racing.
He was a drag racing pioneer who perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster after losing a portion of his foot in a dragster accident.
This design was significantly safer because it placed the majority of the dragster’s fuel processing and rotating parts behind the driver.
In the event of a catastrophic mechanical failure or a fire, the driver was placed in front of nearly all of the mechanical components, protecting him and allowing him to activate a variety of safety equipment.
Garlits was a pioneer in promoting the full-body, fire-resistant Nomex driving suit, which included socks, gloves, and a balaclava.
What is Don Garlits Net Worth?
Don Garlits has an estimated net worth of $15 million, which he earned through his race car driving and automotive engineering careers.
Garlits was the first drag racer to officially break the 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 mile-per-hour barriers in the quarter mile; he was also the first to break 200 mph (320 km/h) in the 18-mile (0.20 km).
He has been inducted into several Halls of Fame and has received numerous awards throughout his career.
How old is Don Garlits?
Don Garlits was born on January 14, 1932, in Tampa, Florida, United States of America (USA). In 2023, Don Garlitsis 91 years old. Every year on January 14, Don Garlits invites his friends and family to his birthday celebration.
Don Garlits Wife, Children, Family
The new wife of Don Garlits is Lisa Crigar. Both lovers had their eyes on each other in 2015 specifically, on Valentine’s Day.
Pat Garlits was the first wife of Don Garlits. They tied the knot in 1953, a year after the two lovers met but after years, Pat kicked the bucket through Alzheimer’s disease in the year 2014.
He has two (2) children whose names are Donna Garlits and Gay Lyn Capitano.