Description
This programme has been updated for 2009.
No man has ever shaped the destiny of his chosen sport more than "Big Daddy", both in technical innovation and sheer professionalism. 'Champion Garlits' mixes archive footage of the many milestones of Don's career with an extensive interview with the man himself, in his Museum of Drag Racing. The triumphs, the disasters, the highs and lows of this champion of the drag strip are all recalled. Don was the first man to run a 250 mph terminal speed standing quarter, and on another occasion he tripped the lights near to this terminal speed backwards! These and many other highlights of a remarkable career are included in this action-packed programme.
More than five decades after his first major victory, Garlits remains committed to his sport. In late 2007 he delighted more than 50,000 fans at the Nitro Nationals in Bakersfield, California, as he returned to the strip with two of his famous Swamp Rat racers, and our cameras were there to capture the moment.
From the highlights of a remarkable career to the Nitro Nationals of 2007, this is an action-packed profile of a true Champion.
