Trystan Casey
Don Garlits, often called the father of drag racing, is a legendary American race car driver and automotive engineer. He has been nicknamed Big Daddy by drag racing fans around the world. Garlits has been a pioneer in the field of drag racing, revolutionizing the sport with his innovative designs and applications. Each new generation of his dragster designs has been named Swamp Rat, and in 2014, at the age of 82, Garlits set a speed record with his Swamp Rat 37, a 2,000 hp battery-powered EV dragster.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Don Garlits' electric dragster | Swamp Rat 38 |
| Previous version | Swamp Rat 37 |
| Speed record in Swamp Rat 37 | 184 mph (296 km/h) |
| Speed record in Swamp Rat 38 | 189.03 mph (304.21 km/h) |
| Horsepower in Swamp Rat 37 | 2,000 hp |
| Horsepower in Swamp Rat 38 | 800 hp |
| Weight of Swamp Rat 38 | 1,500 lb |
| Battery type in Swamp Rat 38 | Lithium-polymer |
| Number of battery packs in Swamp Rat 38 | 4 |
| Number of lithium polymer cells in each pack | 300 |
| Total number of cells | 1,200 |
| Maximum voltage | 420V |
| Current | 3,600 amps |
| Year of first drag race | 1955 |
| Age when he set the record in Swamp Rat 38 | 87 |
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What You'll Learn
- Don Garlits' electric dragster, Swamp Rat 37, had a top speed of 184 mph
- Swamp Rat 38, another of Garlits' electric dragsters, broke the quarter-mile record at 189.03 mph
- Garlits is known as the godfather of drag racing
- Garlits' electric dragster was powered by a lithium-polymer battery
- Garlits was the first man to break 200 mph in a dragster
Don Garlits' electric dragster, Swamp Rat 37, had a top speed of 184 mph
Don Garlits, often called the ""godfather" or "father" of drag racing, is a legendary American race car driver and automotive engineer. He is known for his nickname, "Big Daddy", and is famous for his innovative dragster designs. Garlits' Swamp Rat 37 was a 2,000 hp battery-powered EV dragster that set a speed record of 184 mph (296 km/h) in May 2014. This record-breaking achievement added to Garlits' long list of accomplishments in the world of drag racing.
Garlits has been a pioneer in the field, revolutionizing the sport with his innovative designs and applications. One of his most notable contributions was the perfection of the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster, which was motivated by a personal accident that resulted in the loss of part of his foot. This new design prioritized safety by positioning the driver in front of most mechanical components, providing better protection and easier access to safety equipment in case of mechanical failure or fire.
Garlits' journey into the world of drag racing began in his home state of Florida. After his first official drag race win in 1955, he went on to forge a remarkable career spanning four decades in top fuel competition. During this time, he broke numerous speed records and accumulated a total of 17 championships, including 10 American Hot Rod Association championships, 4 International Hot Rod Association championships, and 3 National Hot Rod Association championships.
Swamp Rat 37 was not Garlits' first encounter with electric dragsters. In fact, he had previously competed in match races with Gwynn, using battery-powered dragsters that reached speeds of up to 30 mph. These races sparked Garlits' interest in electric vehicles, and he soon embarked on his original EV project, which eventually led to the creation of Swamp Rat 37.
Garlits' passion for speed and innovation continued well into his later years. Even at the age of 90, he remained excited about the potential of electric dragsters, planning a series of match races to demonstrate their viability in the sport. Garlits' enthusiasm and contributions have not only shaped the history of drag racing but also inspired future generations of racers and innovators.
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Swamp Rat 38, another of Garlits' electric dragsters, broke the quarter-mile record at 189.03 mph
Don Garlits, also known as "Big Daddy", is a legendary figure in the world of drag racing. He is renowned for his numerous Top Fuel world championships and innovative dragster designs. Garlits' passion for speed and innovation led him to venture into the realm of electric dragsters, with the aim of breaking records once again.
In 2014, Garlits set his sights on electric power and began working on a new dragster, the Swamp Rat 37. This EV dragster was a collaboration with creator-designer Gerry, chassis builder Brad Hadman, Lawless Industries, and LiPo battery supplier High Tech Systems. With a lithium-polymer battery and a powerful motor, Swamp Rat 37 was designed to break records.
However, it was Garlits' next electric dragster, Swamp Rat 38, that broke the quarter-mile record. In July 2019, at the age of 87, Garlits achieved a speed of 189.03 mph (some sources round this up to 189.04 mph) with Swamp Rat 38. This battery-powered 800 hp electric motor broke the previous record of 185.6 mph, which was also set by Garlits.
Swamp Rat 38 was a significant departure from its predecessor, Swamp Rat 37. While Swamp Rat 37 had a swoopy and aerodynamic design, Swamp Rat 38 was stripped back, focusing on weight reduction. It weighed only 1,500 pounds, a remarkable 1,000 pounds lighter than Swamp Rat 37. Garlits removed traditional features such as the canopy windscreen and spoon front end, showcasing his unwavering commitment to speed and performance.
The record-breaking run at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida was the culmination of Garlits' decades of experience and relentless pursuit of speed. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Garlits' passion and determination drove him to achieve this remarkable feat. With Swamp Rat 38, Garlits not only broke the quarter-mile record but also demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles in drag racing, inspiring future innovations in the sport.
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Garlits is known as the godfather of drag racing
Don Garlits, the “Big Daddy” of drag racing, is a living legend. Born in Tampa, Florida, Garlits is considered the godfather of drag racing and is known as “Big Daddy” to fans around the world. Garlits is synonymous with the sport, having made his first run in 1950 and scoring his first major win in 1955. He was the first drag racer to officially surpass the 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 mph marks in the quarter-mile. He was also the first to top 200 mph in the 1/8 mile. With 17 championships and a book full of records, he is a true pioneer and innovator.
Garlits was an early promoter of safety in a dangerous sport. He perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster, an innovation motivated by a dragster accident in which he lost part of his foot. This design was notably safer since it put most of the fuel processing and rotating parts behind the driver. Garlits also promoted the use of a full-body, fire-resistant Nomex driving suit, complete with socks, gloves, and a balaclava.
Garlits was also an innovator in vehicle design. He was the first to add air spoilers to his dragsters, employ bike wheels on the front, and experiment with an extended wheelbase. He helped create today's tire burnout ritual and was instrumental in growing the sport beyond its California base.
In his 40-plus years behind the wheel, Garlits accomplished more than just racetrack victories. He broke numerous speed records and revolutionized the niche motorsport with innovative designs and applications. He picked up various nicknames, including "Big Daddy" from a race announcer and “Swamp Rat” from a mid-west competitor. Garlits used this less complimentary nickname to christen his vehicles, beginning with Swamp Rat I, which brought him his first world record in 1957.
Garlits's passion for speed has not diminished with age. At 82, he set a 184 mph speed record with Swamp Rat 37, a 2,000 hp battery-powered EV dragster. At 87, he set a new quarter-mile record of 189.03 mph with Swamp Rat 38, an 800 hp electric motor dragster. Garlits continues to be a powerful presence in the world of drag racing, even in his 80s and 90s.
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Garlits' electric dragster was powered by a lithium-polymer battery
Don Garlits, also known as "Big Daddy", is a legendary drag racer and automotive engineer. In 2014, at the age of 82, Garlits set a speed record of 184 mph with Swamp Rat 37, a 2000 hp battery-powered electric dragster.
Garlits has been a pioneer in the field of drag racing, revolutionizing the sport with innovative designs and safety improvements. After an accident in 1970, where he lost his right foot, Garlits perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster design, prioritizing driver safety by positioning the driver in front of the mechanical components. This design became the mainstream configuration for drag racing vehicles.
In July 2019, at the age of 87, Garlits set another record with Swamp Rat 38, a 1500 lb electric dragster. He achieved a quarter-mile speed of 189.03 mph with an 800 hp electric motor. Garlits' passion for speed and innovation has left a lasting impact on the world of drag racing, and his electric dragster powered by lithium-polymer batteries is a testament to his legacy.
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Garlits was the first man to break 200 mph in a dragster
Don Garlits, also known as "Big Daddy", is considered the godfather of drag racing. On August 1, 1964, he became the first drag racer to break the 200-mph speed barrier in a quarter-mile race. This record-breaking achievement took place in Great Meadows, New Jersey, and solidified Garlits' reputation as a pioneer in the field of drag racing.
Garlits' journey to becoming the first person to surpass 200 mph in a dragster was not without challenges. Initially dominating the East Coast racing scene in the late 1950s, he faced skepticism from West Coast racers who refused to acknowledge his impressive speed records. Determined to prove his prowess, Garlits headed west to compete against the precision-built dragsters of his detractors. With repeated wins, he demonstrated that his records were indeed legitimate.
The secret to Garlits' success lay in his innovative use of large fuel lines, which produced more speed. Recognizing the value of this innovation, he concealed the lines along the rail frames of his car to maintain a competitive advantage. This strategic move showcased Garlits' understanding of the sport and his drive to stay ahead of the competition.
Garlits' pursuit of speed milestones continued throughout his career. In 1968, he became the first dragster to reach 240 mph, and in 1975, he broke the 250 mph barrier. In 1986, he achieved an impressive NHRA record of 271.08 mph, surpassing the 270 mph mark. Garlits' passion for speed and innovation remained unwavering, and at the age of 69, he drove over 300 mph at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, becoming the oldest driver to accomplish this feat.
Even in his later years, Garlits' thirst for speed remained unquenched. In his 90s, he collaborated with Steve Huff and others on a battery-powered electric dragster project, aiming to reach 200 mph. This endeavor demonstrated Garlits' enduring curiosity and his desire to push the boundaries of drag racing, embracing new technologies such as electric vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Don Garlits' electric dragster is called Swamp Rat 38.
Swamp Rat 38 has a top speed of 189.03 mph (304.21 km/h).
Swamp Rat 38 has a horsepower of 800 hp.
