Kalitta can reach major Gainesville milestone with victory

ne of the reasons Doug Kalitta always enjoys racing at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville is that it serves as the home track for NHRA Top Fuel legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits.

With one more victory at the tradition-rich facility, Kalitta would join Garlits and others when it comes to career achievements at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Kalitta picked up his third victory at the event a year ago and a repeat title at the traditional East Coast opener on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit this season would put Kalitta alongside the likes of Joe Amato, Larry Dixon, Garlits and Tony Schumacher for all-time Top Fuel wins at Gainesville.

That history isn’t lost on Kalitta, who will try to make some of his own in his 10,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster at this weekend’s 46th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville.

“I always think about the history and success my family has had there and the fact it’s Big Daddy’s home track adds to it,” Kalitta said. “The Gatornationals is a crowd and racer favorite, and we are looking forward to getting there and going for another win.” Full Story