Don Garlits is a name that basically defines American drag racing. When you think of "Big Daddy," you think of the Swamp Rat, the rear-engine revolution, and a man who has survived more fire and fury on the asphalt than most of us could ever imagine. But lately, the chatter hasn't just been about his electric dragster or his latest museum addition. It's about his personal life. People are constantly searching for news on don garlits new wife—and honestly, the story is a lot more nuanced than a simple wedding announcement.
If you've followed Don for any length of time, you know that for over 60 years, there was only one woman in the frame: Pat Garlits. She wasn't just his wife; she was the backbone of his entire operation. When Pat passed away in 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, it felt like the end of an era for the sport. Don was devastated. He’s been very open about that grief. But life, as it tends to do, kept moving.
The Reality of Don Garlits and Lisa Crigar
There’s been a lot of confusion online about whether Don actually remarried. You’ve probably seen the headlines from a few years back. In 2015, news broke that Don, then 83, had popped the question to a photographer named Lisa Crigar. They had met during an interview, and Don was pretty vocal about how she revitalized his spirit. He even told reporters at the time that they were getting married at his museum in Ocala.
But did they actually tie the knot?
Well, it’s complicated. While they were engaged and Lisa has been a constant presence by his side for years, they never actually went through with a formal marriage ceremony according to later reports and interviews. In a 2023 garage tour video, she was still being referred to as his girlfriend. Lisa is significantly younger than Don—about 30 years—and she’s known for being incredibly active, often taking long bike rides and helping manage things around the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.
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She basically stepped into a role that combines partner, companion, and teammate. For a man who lived his entire adult life with a partner by his side, having that support system again was vital.
Why the "New Wife" Rumors Persist
The internet is a weird place. Once a "Don Garlits is getting married" headline hits the web, it stays there forever. People see a photo of them together at an event—maybe at the NHRA Gatornationals or a car show—and they just assume.
- The Engagement Announcement: That 2015 interview where Don said "We're going to get married" is the primary source of the confusion.
- Constant Companionship: Lisa travels with him, helps with the museum, and appears in his YouTube videos. To the casual observer, they look like a married couple.
- Pat's Legacy: Fans are protective. Pat Garlits was so beloved that any "new" person in Don's life was going to be scrutinized.
Honestly, at 94 years old (as of 2026), Don Garlits doesn't really care about satisfying the paperwork requirements of the internet. He’s focused on his health, his museum, and his legacy. Whether they are legally married or just lifelong partners, Lisa Crigar has been the person helping "Big Daddy" keep the engines running for over a decade now.
A Legacy Built on Partnership
You can't talk about Don's current situation without acknowledging the "original" partnership. Pat Bieger met Don when he was just a 20-year-old kid with a hot rod. Her dad didn't even like his car. Don actually traded his Cadillac-powered Ford for a "plain Jane" 1950 Ford just to get her father's approval. That's the kind of guy he is.
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They were married for 61 years.
Pat was there in 1959 when the engine exploded and nearly killed him. She was there when he lost part of his foot in the 1970 accident that led him to design the rear-engine dragster. She was the one who handled the money and kept the team together while Don was out inventing the future of racing.
When Don talks about his success, he doesn't say "I did this." He says "We did this."
The Transition to Lisa
After Pat died, Don was in a dark place. He’s admitted that he felt lost. Meeting Lisa Crigar changed that trajectory. She brought a different kind of energy. While Pat was the steady hand during the racing years, Lisa has been the companion during the "statesman" years of Don's life.
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She's an accomplished photographer and has her own identity, but she’s embraced the "Garlits" world completely. If you visit the museum in Ocala today, you might see her. She’s often the one making sure the tours run smoothly or helping Don navigate the crowds of fans who still flock to see him.
What This Means for Fans Today
If you're looking for a marriage certificate, you might be looking for a long time. But if you're looking for the truth about who is supporting the greatest drag racer of all time, the answer is Lisa.
It’s a bit of a lesson in how we view aging and companionship. Just because someone loses a spouse of 60 years doesn't mean their life is over. Don found someone who understands his pace—which is still "full throttle" even in his 90s.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Respect the Privacy: Don has given the public 70 years of his life. If he chooses to call Lisa his partner instead of his wife, that's his business.
- Visit the Museum: The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, is the best place to see the actual fruits of his labor (and see Lisa and Don in their natural element).
- Check the Dates: When you see "breaking news" about Don's personal life, check if the article is from 2015. Most "new wife" stories are just recycled reports from his initial engagement.
- Support the Legend: Don is still active in the electric vehicle (EV) racing scene. Watch his record attempts; that’s where his heart truly lies.
Don Garlits is a man who doesn't do anything halfway. Whether it's building a 200-mph car in a garage or finding love again after an unthinkable loss, he does it with total commitment. Lisa Crigar might not be the "new wife" in a legal sense, but she is clearly the partner he needs for this final, high-speed lap of his life.