Hold on tight. The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a shrine to the most intense automobiles ever made.

“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...