“I want to be ahead of the engine...” It took the loss of half of his foot, but “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ moment of clarity redefined the dragster and undoubtedly saved many lives.Laid up in Long Beach, Calif., with half his foot blown off and his once limitless future suddenly...

The 1970 U.S. Nationals Top Fuel final between Don Prudhomme, near lane, and Jim Nicoll ended spectacularly when Nicoll's dragster was cut in two by an exploding clutch. Nicoll was not seriously injured. (NHRA images)In the Top Fuel final round during the 1970 NHRA U.S. Nationals, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme...