Event Coverage Big Daddy Don Garlits at Dragstrip Riot November 2nd Orlando Speedworld

November 2nd meet the man, the myth, the legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits at The Dragstrip Riot. He will be our official Grand Marshall, bringing his Swamp Rat and museum trailer. Don’t miss this opportunity. Limited engagements in his 2019 calendar.
Orlando Speedworld 10am-4pm
$30 Race Cars
$15 general admission
$20 vintage car pit parking,
kids 12 and under free





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Glad to see the Old Man is still kicking.

 

Indeed, there aren’t many racers who can say they were there when drag racing was born. Mr. Garlits is one of those.


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At least he isn't bringing his battery powered slot car.

 

Rumor has it Big Daddy will be checking out our rear engine funny car !! I'll be sure to get some pics w/ him

 

Yes sir
He’s only doing 4 events this year
Honored to say The Dragstrip Riot is one of them.
I’m stoked


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2 weeks until the big event. Hoping for a big crowd. Interest seems to be ramping up with fans and racers alike.
We have a really cool T-Shirt design, this year. Local artist Tony Squindo did a great job.

 

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See you in the AM. I'll need a white shirt, if you please.

 

No pix yet? The little red truck got a 13.90 / 97mph. If this was 1966, it would be fast.

 

Gary, wanted to come talk to you 1/2 a dozen times, but was getting pulled 6 way to Christmas(FLA) pun intended.
Love your little truck, she sure is fast! Can't thank you enough for coming. Humbled at the attendance, but curious why a few more familiar faces were not there? Is nostalgia drag racing in FLA, just not appreciated, like up north or out west??? Open to all opinions and comments.
Will post some pictures this weekend.
February 1st is my Club's 20th anniversary Groundhog Gala. Hope you can attend.
JT

 

Here are just a few. Thanks to Peyton Scheib, An image in time photography, Nathan Gates and Mike Kern for sharing these on our FB event page.
This year we had allot of talented shutterbugs, capturing the moments. Bill Hartzell and I are sourting through countless photos, attempting to find the best.
JT

 

Show n Shine award winners

Custom Award, Hot rod Award, Muscle Car Award, Vintage Street rod Association Award, Florida Roadster Club Award

 

Thanx, Jake. Good to see all those pix. I had a good time!

 

A couple of things hurt your attendance ( and everybody elses in the fall).
A lot of the racers have been at it all summer, some are broke, have broke equipment, just quit for the year to regroup for next year.
Football season has started and many people would just rather go there, or dont have the money to do both. Seen it for many years.
Looks like everybody was having fun, Thanks for posting up the pictures!

 

Rex, To some extent that makes a lot of sense. And I can truly appreciate the fact that most of our crowd is in a low budget. Although I’ve been marketing this event for about eight months and was hoping people would plan for it. Like I said I totally get it and I also appreciate everybody who came out.


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The above photo and the green roadster that belongs to Wade Nunley were by far the money shot of the day. Despite the fact that they both suffered damages and had to put them on the trailer, I’m hoping these shots get some major exposure and show up in a magazine.


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It was a mad rush to get Don up to the tower at noon for his grand marshal duties. The man is 87 years young and insisted on driving his own duly truck and 35 foot trailer. In addition his awning would not open and he was thrashing on that trying to get his stuff out of the sun I literally had to throw him on a golf cart and rush him to the starting line to give his interview.


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Very Cool - Thanks for pics/info

 

I saw the Red Alert car run, wow it was up there. And the damage to it in the pits later. How come wheelie bars are not allowed in that class? Tradition? Seems a shame. Lots of other new stuff is allowed or required in the name of safety. It is a very well turned out machine.

 

Gary, Spoke with the driver, after the fact. This was basically a shake down day for them. He claimed to leave in high gear, with over inflated tires...and it still went sky high. No real explanation for the lack of wheelie bars. Both were warned the track was prepped for cars like Bill's 7:75 Satan Speed Shop Fiat Altered.

JT