It was a bit more than a demonstration run. It happens that, as big a star
as Garlits is, his era predated the 300 mph speeds of today. He wanted to
add that to his resume.
This year is the 50th anniversary of NHRA and their biggest event is the
U.S. Nationals on the Labor Day weekend. Garlits arranged a ride for that
event, qualified 15th (out of 21) at 303.37 mph with a 4.720-second run.
FWIW, another star of Garlits' era, Shirley Muldowney, also entered that
event, qualified 12th at 319.98 mph (4.647 seconds).
Both lost in the first round -- Garlits to Mike Dunn (who reached the finals
before losing), Muldowney to Darrell Russell (Joe Amato's hot new find).
No demonstration or exhibition -- they came to race and made the show.
Nobody gave them a free pass.
--Rocky Entriken
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Curry" <spitlist@gte.net>
To: "P Richardson" <paul-richardson@cyberware.co.uk>
Cc: <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2001 12:40 AM
Subject: Re: Don Garlits
> Not only is he still alive, but he actually drove a top fuel dragster
earlier this year. Granted, it was more of a "demonstration run" but he
still
> has a feel for the sport!
>
> Joe (C)
>
> P Richardson wrote:
> >
> > Re Dave's e-mail concerning Don Garlits loosing a foot due to an
exploding
> > clutch.
> >
> > I remember seeing Don Garlits at a drag strip called Wood Vale near
Southport
> > circa 1962 (I was working at TVR the time). This was the first time I'd
seen
> > drag racing. About fifty yards before the timing post Garlits' sling
shot
> > suddenly turned over and 'upside down' he still clocked over 180MPH.
> > Miraculously he was not hurt. I believe he was 'the man' in the drag
racing
> > world.- Is he still alive?
> >
> > Paul
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