What is the nickname of drag racer Don Garlits?

What is the nickname of drag racer Don Garlits? Don Garlits is known as “Big Daddy.”

Garlits, born in Tampa, Florida, in 1932, is widely regarded as one of drag racing’s foundational figures. The nickname reflects his stature in the sport: he was a champion driver, an innovator, and a major public face of professional drag racing. He is also sometimes called the “father of drag racing,” but “Big Daddy” is the canonical quiz answer.

His influence extended beyond driving. After losing part of his foot in a 1970 accident, Garlits developed and perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster layout. Moving the engine and driveline behind the driver greatly improved protection from explosions and mechanical failures, and the arrangement became standard in top-level drag racing.

“Swamp Rat” is another important Garlits-associated name, but it refers primarily to the series of dragsters he raced, including Swamp Rat XIV and Swamp Rat XXX. It is therefore a common mix-up, whereas “Big Daddy” is his personal nickname.