Don Garlits

Donald Glenn Garlits (born January 14, 1932, Tampa, Florida) is considered the father of drag racing. He is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world. A pioneer, he developed the rear-engine "top fuel" dragster and also designed the first full-body, fire-resistant suit. In 1964, he became the first drag racer to surpass 200 miles per hour; he has broken a number of other speed records, surpassing 270 miles per hour in 1986.

Garlits was the first driver to win three National Hot Rod Association national titles and three world championships, the last coming at the age of 54.