Donald Glenn Garlits is an American race car driver and automotive engineer. Born in Tampa, Florida, Garlits is considered the godfather of drag racing, he is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world. A pioneer in the field of drag racing, he perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster, an innovation motivated by the loss of part of his foot in a dragster accident. This design was notably safer since it put most of the fuel processing and rotating parts of the dragster behind the driver. The driver was placed in front of nearly all the mechanical components, thus protecting him and allowing him to activate a variety of safety equipment in the event of catastrophic mechanical failure or a fire. Garlits was an early promoter of the full-body, fire-resistant Nomex driving suit, complete with socks, gloves, and balaclava.

Headlines from January 14, 1932

$450,000 for Arms Parley Is Authorized by Senate

BELGIUM DEPLORES GIBES AT HOOVER; Foreign Minister Tells Gibson Press Comment Does Not Reflect Official Views. PROTEST CAUSES SURPRISE Gibson Move Attributed Chiefly to Criticism of American Stand on Reparations.

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REPUBLICANS INCLINE TO ROOSEVELT TAXES; Legislative Fiscal Leaders, After Talk With Governor, Appear Favorable. PARTY CHIEFS WILL DECIDE Macy and Hilles to Pass on Plan at Meeting Tuesday -- Roosevelt Expects Accord. REPUBLICANS MEET ON ROOSEVELT PLAN

Notable Births