There’s no denying that no single individual has given more to the sport of drag racing through innovation and pure stature than “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. The pioneer of pioneers, Garlits has forgotten more than most will ever know, and when it comes to the cockpit of a race car, he’s done it all and seen it all — in some cases, many times over.

From the infamous clutch explosion at Lions Dragstrip in 1970 with Swamp Rat XIII to his incredible blowover at Englishtown in 1986, “Big” has ridden out some of the hairiest accidents in drag racing history, and he’s lived to tell about it and race another day.

In honor of “Big’s” birthday — he turns 81 years young today — we take a look back at some of his wildest rides and closest calls during the heyday of his driving career. From the old slingshots to his innovative rear engine dragsters of the 1980’s, all narrated of course, by the Large Father himself in this nearly hour-long film produced by Main Event Video and Dean Papadeas.

The film, entitled “Close Calls,” features historic and timeless footage filmed by the Jackson Brothers that is all sorts of awesome. Garlits is joined by his wife, Pat, who was there through it all and probably has no idea how Don is still kicking, to talk about some of the most, um –interesting — moments of his racing career. And of course Garlits, in his typical tough-as-nails persona, talks about his near-death experiences as if they were nothing.

“Close Calls” is an amazing look back at Garlits’ driving career, and some of the historic scenes of drag racing’s past, in general. Prudhomme, Ivo, and countless others are all there. If you need something to occupy your lunch hour at work, this is your ticket.