quote:

Originally posted by SCDIV1:
Thanks for the link Paul

I Managed to watch about half of that Garlits video today at work and enjoyed it.

I love hearing him tell stories.

They were a great couple

Your welcome. Did you get to the rig in the canal story? It’s legendary!

quote:

Originally posted by adv ET 266:

quote:

Originally posted by SCDIV1:
Thanks for the link Paul

I Managed to watch about half of that Garlits video today at work and enjoyed it.

I love hearing him tell stories.

They were a great couple

Your welcome. Did you get to the rig in the canal story? It’s legendary!

Yes I did and anyone who raced way back in the old days usually had towing stories.....I do....

Flat towing was how we got to the track for a number of years.

A trailer was not in the budget....!

I’ll throw out a vote for Ronnie Sox. He and Buddy Martin set the standard for performance and professionalism in the 60s. I was a kid growing near his shop up in Burlington, NC and watched his car haulers cruise by the house on a regular basis. He was certainly a local celebrity!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Allred,

Bob glidden for me

The thing about Garlits is he built his own chassis and engines top to bottom. I don't know any of the door car guys, after they went to tube chassis that built their own chassis (I know Grump didn't and he was the first). I've heard of WJ modifying his chassis but not that he built it in total. Just a distinction.

You might consider the number of years Big Daddy has raced compared to others and at that level. Pretty impressive

Who started first, Garlits the Greek, Emory Cook or Calvin Rice? My money is on Calvin.

Anyone know?

Bob

I started in 1957. Does that count?

Then it would be Calvin Rice while you (?) and I were Sophomores in High School.

Bob

No mention of Ed?

Ed B I g l e y has my vote

Grumpy Jenkins?

I would have to say Don Garlits not because of wins but because he did so much of the work himself and usually had a pretty small budget compared to many other big teams. Also Garlits was an innovator and thought outside the box which was not always popular with Wally Parks and NHRA.

There are others who should be in that conversation Kenny Bernstein for being one of the leaders to bring big marketing in. John Force for being a great personality (Like him or not) and helping to make drag racing main stream.
Also I would have to wonder where Gary Ormsby, Lee Shepard and Blaine Johnson would be in this conversation if they were alive today.
Erica Enders has to be one of best drivers there is in one of toughest classes but she did not design, build and drive like Don Garlits.

If you ever saw Garlits make a lap in person, you'll probably know as I, when he'd do the burnout and back up, there was a different vibe in the air. You knew you were looking at the pioneer, and smartest, most unafraid man at the drag strip. Unafraid to step outside of the box, and do it different.

Garlits is what every American was intended to be when this country was founded, an individual.

That's why Garlits is in the Smithsonian. He's an American Icon.

Personally, I lean toward either Bill Jenkins or Bob Glidden. (However, Ed is a truly legendary check writer, tire pressure checker, fuel topper offer). Take care. Tom Worthington

quote:

Originally posted by Tom396:
Personally, I lean toward either Bill Jenkins or Bob Glidden. (However, Ed is a truly legendary check writer, tire pressure checker, fuel topper offer). Take care. Tom Worthington

Lol, Funny stuff right there.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul S/Q:
well Shirley Muldowny certainly "thinks" she was the greatest of alltime ...

Big Daddy #1-- Bob Glidden #2

Dead on, trip zip.

quote:

Originally posted by BG7X77:

quote:

Originally posted by Paul S/Q:
well Shirley Muldowny certainly "thinks" she was the greatest of alltime ...

Big Daddy #1-- Bob Glidden #2

Dead on, trip zip.

That is a good point but like I said before I wonder where Lee Shepard, Gary Ormsby and Blaine Johnson would be in this conversation if they were still with us. Also Warren Johnson even with his sour attitude was pretty good. Where would Greg Anderson be with out warren Johnson?

Shirley Muldowny was good and she was the first female top fuel racer to have much success but I certainly would not have her any where near the top for the Greatest.

Sunshine Drag Strip 1960's. Ripper Nova at 1:51

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Rietow,

Really, hands down Garlits.