Thu, 08 Oct 2015, 15:16 PM "Big Daddy" Don Garlits to be Special Guest and Grand Marshall at AAA Texas NHRA Fall

Courtesy of Gabrielle Stevenson Garlits will Greet Fans at Texas Motorplex for Celebratory Event

ENNIS, Texas -- Nationals

Billy Meyer, left, with Don Garlits in 2010 at Texas Motorplex

If ever there was a legend in the sport of drag racing, it's "Big Daddy" Don Garlits.

When Texas Motorplex opened its gates to the public - becoming the first ever super-stadium of drag racing - in August of 1986, Garlits was on his way to earning his ninth Car Craft All-Star Team and Top Fuel Driver of the Year award.

The first ever NHRA national event held at the Motorplex was in September 1986 and wouldn't you know it? The ultimate legend took home the inaugural event trophy, kicking off the all-concrete facility's history in style.

Garlits will be back in North Texas when the 30th Anniversary AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals is hosted at Texas Motorplex, Oct. 15-18.

Garlits will serve as the special event guest and Grand Marshall and will be signing autographs for fans as well as waxing nostalgia about the sport he has defined through decades of dedication, determination and ingenuity.

"Garlits has done so much for the sport of drag racing, his legendary status was sealed even before we opened Texas Motorplex," Billy Meyer, owner of Texas Motorplex, said. "Garlits is a fan-favorite all over the world and we are proud to have him as our special guest 30 years after he won the first Top Fuel title here."

Garlits has been involved in the sport of drag racing from the beginning and has made technological contributions for more than 50 years. Just in NHRA pro competition alone, he earned 35 career Top Fuel national event wins including eight at the prestigious U.S. Nationals en route to three Top Fuel World championships.

Fans can get Garlits gear and bring it to the event for signature by going to his website: www.garlits.com. Autograph session times will be announced shortly before the event.

Tickets for the 30th Anniversary AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals are available now, ranging from just $10 up to $380 for VIP weekend packages. Youth tickets for children 12 and under start as low as $5. For tickets or more information, please call the Texas Motorplex office at (800) MOTORPLEX or visit www.texasmotorplex.com.

The second annual PreStage Fan Fest in Downtown Ennis will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 between 5-9 p.m. with food trucks, music, driver appearances and more at this free entry event.

Gates open for the 30th Anniversary AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 with sportsman qualifying runs between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Two rounds of professional qualifying, at 2:45 and 5:45 p.m., highlight the Friday, Oct. 16 schedule, along with sportsman qualifying throughout the day. Saturday, Oct. 17, is packed with sportsman eliminations and the final two rounds of professional qualifying at 12:45 and 3:45 p.m.

Gates open at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, with pre-race ceremonies at 10 a.m. and final eliminations for the fourth of six NHRA Countdown playoff events getting under way at 11 a.m.

Texas Motorplex was the first all-concrete stadium-style drag racing facility ever constructed. Built in 1986, Texas Motorplex has been the place of many drag racing milestones and world record performances. The Billy Meyer-owned facility hosts a number of racing and car show events between March and November each year and also features the Champion's Club - an 11,000 square-foot facility - that serves fully catered events throughout the year.