See "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, 82, break records in an electric dragster

Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, now 82 years old and known as the Godfather of drag racing, has ventured out of retirement. Fifty years ago Garlits set the most notable of his many records – becoming the first drag racer to hit 200 mph. Now he's attempting to replicate that speed, only this time, using a 2,000 hp electric dragster.

On April 30, Garlits broke the record for an electrically powered racer, managing a quarter-mile speed of 184.01 mph at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida, crushing the existing record of 156 mph. Only it came with a scare, as Garlits's chute failed to open at the run's climax, causing him to careen off the end of the strip and into a sandy field. Fortunately the 82-year-old was uninjured, but as you can see from the two videos below, it was a frightening situation.

The Bradenton run was merely a shakedown for Garlits; although you can sense the disappointment among those working on the project. Surpassing 200 mph is the goal, and Garlits and his crew are convinced that barrier will soon be broken.

Powering the sled, nicknamed Swamp Rat 37, are six GE motors and four lithium-polymer battery packs, producing around 1,500 kilowatts. Garlits plans to adjust the car's gearing and electric power controller in his quest for more speed.

While top-fuel dragsters push 8,000 hp and hit over 300 mph, Garlits says that the cost to maintain an electric dragster is more reasonable than its nitro-burning counterpart, and there's minimal service required between runs. Randy Cannon, Garlits's media manger who was on site for the record run, offered this example to Yahoo Autos:

Ever pushing new boundaries, we now await Big Daddy's next record – one that will continue his legacy as drag racing's Don Corleone.

Photos: Quest for 200 mph on batteries