Don Garlits

Don Garlits, Car Guy

Approachable. That is the word I would use to describe Don Garlits. The man is known throughout the world of racing. He has rubbed elbows with celebrities both in and beyond the world of cars. His museum of drag racing in Ocala, Florida is visited by hundreds, if not thousands, of people every year.

 Don Garlits has enjoyed dinners and conversations with famous actors and such, but to help raise money for underprivileged children in our area, the man showed up at our local restaurant known simply as “The Diner”, interacted with all present, and helped the restaurant in their fundraising efforts. 

We’ve been to The Diner before. Both their food and service is great. You may remember how we met folks who had a connection to our house a few weeks ago at another car show there. I called that post “It’s a Small World.”  Patrick and Jill were there again last night. We had a good time. This time, though, all folks attending brought toys and clothes as well as monetary gifts for children in our area. It was a way to help the community during the holidays.

Don Garlits and Santa

Having Don Garlits come to the event was a bonus for all. 

Through the years I’ve met many famous people. Most of them prove to be kind and approachable. Most. I could tell a story or two…

I digress. Don Garlits is a good man and as I said at the beginning, very approachable. I told him about the day my husband and my grandson visited his museum in Ocala, Florida.

“Joshua read every placard in the place,” I shared.

“Joshua,” he repeated. “That’s a good Bible name.”

I agreed. We walked over to his car where he retrieved a poster for me to give to my grandson.

After the crowd around him thinned, Mr. Garlits walked around the car show chatting with various folks there, looking under the hood of one car or another, making remarks about the vehicles, and talking about times gone by. A regular guy enjoying the car show. And everyone present.

And the people enjoyed having him there. Not just appearing. Not showing up for publicity. Simply a car guy at a car show enjoying an evening with other car guys. Another car guy doing what he could to make Christmas a little brighter for children in our community.

It doesn’t get much better than that.