Don Garlits is widely considered to be the father of drag racing. He is most famous for his work with “swamp rat” dragsters which were some of the first purpose-built drag cars.
Garlits began racing in the early 1950s and quickly gained a reputation for being one of the quickest and most consistent racers around. He began experimenting with different designs and setups for his cars and in 1957 he built the first “swamp rat” dragster.
The swamp rat was significantly lighter and faster than anything else on the race track and Garlits quickly became the fastest man in drag racing. He held the world record for top speed and elapsed time for several years and his exploits in the swamp rat car made him a national celebrity.
Garlits continued to race and innovate throughout his career and he remains an active member of the drag racing community today. His legacy is evident in the success of many of today’s top drag racers who continue to push the limits of what is possible in the sport.
What is the name of the race car driver who created the “Swamp Rat” race cars?
Don Garlits.
What is the name of the first “Swamp Rat” race car?
Swamp Rat I.
What was the top speed of the first “Swamp Rat” race car?
171 miles per hour.
How many “Swamp Rat” race cars were created?
34.
What was the name of the last “Swamp Rat” race car?
Swamp Rat 34.
What is the top speed of the last “Swamp Rat” race car?
248 miles per hour.
What is the name of the race track where “Swamp Rat” race cars set the world record for top speed?
Bonneville Salt Flats.
How many world records did “Swamp Rat” race cars set?
9.
What is the name of the “Swamp Rat” race car that set the world record for fastest 1/4 mile run?
Swamp Rat XXV.
How fast was the “Swamp Rat XXV” race car when it set the world record for fastest 1/4 mile run?
4.
69 seconds.
How many times was the “Swamp Rat XXV” race car driven when it set the world record for fastest 1/4 mile run?
1 time.
Who was the driver of the “Swamp Rat XXV” race car when it set the world record for fastest 1/4 mile run?
Scott Kalitta.
What is the name of the “Swamp Rat” race car that set the world record for fastest 1/8 mile run?
Swamp Rat XXX.
How fast was the “Swamp Rat XXX” race car when it set the world record for fastest 1/8 mile run?
3.
58 seconds.
How many times was the “Swamp Rat XXX” race car driven when it set the world record for fastest 1/8 mile run?
1 time.
