Up Front

Marking the 60th anniversary of just about anything—from a marriage to a career—is a pretty momentous occasion. It says, among other things, that you must be doing something right. To say “Big Daddy” Don Garlits has been doing it right for the past six decades is surely an understatement. Hard as it is to believe, next year marks Garlits’ 60th year of a remarkable racing career.

Big Daddy is no less than a legend in the world of drag racing, and his association with Mopar® is written in the history books. Beginning on page 10 you’ll discover that his career started humbly enough at Zephyrhills, Fla., in 1950 driving a 1940 Ford convertible powered by a Mercury engine. You’ll also read about his exploits with Mopar doorslammers—in his own words from his upcoming book, Don Garlits and His Cars.

So how is Big Daddy preparing to mark his six decades in racing next year? A retirement party? A commemoration of some sort at his drag racing museum in Florida? A gold watch, perhaps?

Hell no, he’s going racing.

60 years and not counting.

As you read this, Big Daddy is preparing to take the reins of the very first production Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicle. He plans to campaign the car in selected NHRA Division 2 events and take part in various exhibitions when possible. That means racers in the southeast will have their shot at a legend. Beat that legend and you’ll have bragging rights for a lifetime and a story for the grandkids.

The world was a far different place in 1950 when Big Daddy began a journey with an unimaginable destination. The Korean War had just begun when communist forces invaded South Korea. President Harry Truman ordered development of a hydrogen bomb. The Broadway classic Guys and Dolls began an historic run at the 46th Street Theatre. Charles Schultz brought Charlie Brown and Snoopy into our lives.

Much has changed in the past 60 years, and yet much has remained the same. Technology has revolutionized the world of racing. But the skills necessary to succeed are as vital today as they were 60 years ago. And Big Daddy’s got ’em.

Team Mopar want’s to thank Big Daddy for his contribution to racing and his long association with Chrysler and Mopar. And we wish Big Daddy the very best as he prepares to mark his 60th anniversary in racing.

After all, 60 years is a long time. But who’s counting?

—Editor