Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles

Drag racing has seen many legends who have made a significant impact on the sport. Here are a few notable drag racing legends:

1. Don "The Snake" Prudhomme: Don Prudhomme is regarded as one of the greatest drag racers of all time. He achieved success in both Funny Car and Top Fuel categories. Prudhomme won multiple NHRA championships and had intense rivalries with other legends like Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen.

2. John Force: John Force is a legendary drag racer and the most successful driver in NHRA history. He has won an unprecedented number of NHRA Funny Car championships and holds numerous records. Force is known for his larger-than-life personality and his dominant presence in the sport.

3. Shirley Muldowney: Shirley Muldowney is considered a pioneer for women in drag racing. She became the first woman to earn an NHRA professional drag racing license and achieved great success in the Top Fuel category. Muldowney's career was filled with groundbreaking accomplishments and she became an inspiration to many female drag racers.

4. "Big Daddy" Don Garlits: Don Garlits is an iconic figure in drag racing, known for his innovations and record-breaking performances. He revolutionized the sport with his rear-engine dragster design, which enhanced safety and performance. Garlits won multiple NHRA championships and holds numerous records in the Top Fuel category.

Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, born on January 14, 1932, is a legendary figure in the world of drag racing. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest drag racers of all time and is often referred to as the "Father of Drag Racing." Here are some key highlights of Don "Big Daddy" Garlits' career:

1. Innovations and Pioneering Spirit: Garlits was known for his relentless pursuit of speed and his innovative approach to dragster design. In 1957, he introduced the revolutionary rear-engine dragster, shifting the driver from the traditional front-engine layout to the rear. This innovation significantly improved safety and vehicle performance, forever changing the sport.

2. Records and Championships: Throughout his career, Garlits set numerous records and won multiple championships. He won a total of 17 NHRA Top Fuel championships, the most in NHRA history. His pursuit of speed resulted in multiple record-breaking runs, including becoming the first driver to surpass the 170 mph, 180 mph, 200 mph, and 270 mph barriers.

3. Swamp Rat: Garlits' dragsters, often referred to as "Swamp Rat" cars, became iconic in the world of drag racing. He continuously refined and improved his dragster designs, pushing the boundaries of performance. The Swamp Rat series of dragsters became synonymous with Garlits' success and innovation.

4. Wynn's Jammer: Garlits partnered with Wynn's Friction Proofing to create the Wynn's Jammer dragster, which helped popularize corporate sponsorship in drag racing. This partnership showcased the potential for sponsorships in motorsports and paved the way for future collaborations between racers and companies.