Sep21

BIG DADDY DON GARLITS “SWAMP RAT 13” DRAGSTER TO APPEAR FREEDOM CAR SHOW OCT 1

by Bill on September 21, 2016 at 11:34 am
Posted In: Joe Verdegan

“The Evolution of the Race Car” to be hosted in Rickert Park

(Freedom, WI) September 21 –The famous rail dragster “Swamp Rat 13” built and driven by drag racing legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits will be on display at “The Evolution of the Race Car” show October 1 at Rickert Park in Freedom. The show will feature more than 150 race cars spanning several decades.

Swamp Rat 13 is a front engine slingshot rail dragster Garlits built in 1970. The machine featured an experimental two-speed transmission, which exploded during a run that year. The wreck essentially split the machine in half and cut a portion of Garlits’ foot off. After the wreck Garlits rehabbed by rebuilding the machine and then also built a championship rear-engine car. The wreck of Swamp Rat 13 was viewed as a major development to the movement of rear engine dragsters.

“I was fortunate enough to meet the owner of this car in May at an event,” said show organizer Mike Randerson. “This car was on display elsewhere and as luck would have it we just happened to catch it at the right time. This car being at the show will bring a whole new flock of drag racing fans to our show October 1.”

A fundraiser for the Freedom Area Historical Society, the show has drawn dozens of different types of race cars – some machines dating back to the 1920’s. “We’ve literally got cars coming from all parts of the United States,” explained Randerson. “We’ve got everything from Indy cars, sprints, modifieds, midgets, stock cars, drag racers, mini champs and a whole lot more.”

Local motorsports author Joe Verdegan of Green Bay will host a book signing as copies of his best seller “Life In The Past Lane” will be available for sale.

The GPS address for Rickert Park is N4045 McHugh Road, Freedom, WI 54130.

A ceremony honoring the Freedom Fire Department will take place. A bake sale will be ongoing and a dining tent and picnic area will be available all day. Food and refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided. The show hours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for spectators is free while donations are appreciated. Randerson is still actively accepting exhibitors. If you are interested in showing off your race car you can contact Randerson at (920) 788 6409 or (920) 202 0245. You can also email him at [email protected].

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