We’d claim it’s just those dang allergies, but we’d be lying.

They say big boys don’t cry, but men don’t come any bigger than “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, and if the greatest drag racer who ever lived can get emotional, then there’s no shame in us doing the same right along with him.

Last weekend during the Sunday eliminations broadcast from the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, not far from Garlits’ home and his drag racing museum in Ocala, the ESPN crew paid a visit to the drag racing legend and 17-time world champion, and one of the talking points on the list was the recent passing of his lifelong wedded partner, his wife of nearly 61 years, Pat Garlits. 

Don and Pat were married on February 20,1953, when Don was just 21 years of age and his immortal racing career it its infancy. Pat, coined by many as the “first lady of drag racing,” stood firmly by her husband’s side, through the triumphs and glory to the ultimate of trials, before her sad passing on February 2nd following a long illness.

“She loved her man with all her heart, body and soul and never thought of anyone else but him,” daughter Donna Garlits wrote in a statement. “She was at dad’s side through every win, loss, crash, you name it, she was there.”

We’re not sure how many sets of eyes were tuned in to watch the interview that unfolded on ESPN with Don regarding Pat’s death and his unyielding support of her during her final years, but we can bet there weren’t many that were dry when the “large father” was done.

There’s no doubt that Don Garlits is the most revered and inspiring man to ever take to the quarter mile, but that same sentiment rings true off the track as much as it has on it. As both a racer and an individual, “Big Daddy” truly stands tall.

Credit to ESPN/NHRA for the video footage and screen captures