"Big Daddy" Weighs in on Father's Day

Drag racing legend, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, would like to add even more performance and appearance to every dad's car this Father's Day. After perusing the Mopar® catalog, he picked his top 12 gift items.

"'Big Daddy' Don Garlits is the Babe Ruth of drag racing," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "While not every dad can make sub-five second passes over the quarter mile, we think Don Garlits knows what it takes to get dad's car looking good and into the fast lane."

"With more than 280,000 parts and accessories, Mopar has a huge selection of parts and accessories," said Garlits. "Put a gift under dad's hood this Father's Day and make him happy."

Following is "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' top 12 Father's Day gift ideas:

Fender Covers: Prevent scratches and dings while showing pride at the drag strip or on the street with Mopar logo fender covers. Part Number: P5153623, manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP): $28.

Mopar Big-Block Cast Aluminum Polished Valve Covers (Set): These aluminum die-cast polished valve covers will set apart dad's engine bay while proudly displaying the Mopar logo. For 383 and 440 cubic-inch engines. Part Number: P5007616, MSRP: $168 (small-block engine valve covers also available)

Spark Plug Removal Tool: This tool is specifically designed to protect wires from removal damage. Part Number: P5249718, MSRP: $22

Chrome-plated Differential Cover: For 9-3/4-inch Dana 60 axles. Those left in dad's rear-view mirror will appreciate his attention to detail. Part Number: P3690755, MSRP: $56

Engine Paint (HEMI® Orange): The difference between "good" and show quality is in the details. For that special restoration project, Mopar offers up to eight correct OEM enamel paint colors, including Turquoise, HEMI Orange, Street HEMI Orange, Black, Silver, Red, Blue and Gold. Part Number: P4120751AB, MSRP: $10

Road Runner Restoration Decal: Mopar offers more than 60 decals and emblems in order to complete a true restoration. From the famous Road Runner to a 440 Six Pack decal, Mopar is the source. A variety of restoration decals are available including Dodge Dart, Plymouth Duster, Road Runner and HEMI. Part Number: P2842873, MSRP: $30

Mopar Purple Shaft Small-Block Camshaft Kit: To put muscle in dad's muscle car, these famous, factory-engineered cams add horsepower and torque. Many applications are available for big and small-block engines. Part Number: P4120231AC, MSRP: $215

Mopar Pinion Snubber: A must-have in order to help prevent axle windup under acceleration and improve traction. Part Number: P3690181, MSRP: $67

Mopar Shift Light: Shifting at the correct RPM is critical for a low elapsed time (ET) and win light. Mopar digital rpm display shift lights are programmable for your desired RPM shift point. Part Number: P5155508, MSRP: $175

Mopar Front Strut Tower Bar: For 2005 to 2010 model-year Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, these silver powder-coated strut tower bars with a Mopar plate add handling capability while providing under-hood flair. Part Number: P5155002, MSRP: $359

Mopar Logo Style Hood Pins: For modern-day Dodge Challengers, these genuine, functional hood-pin kits provide nostalgic muscle-car looks with functionality and come with all attaching hardware. Hood pins are available in chrome or black finish. Part Number: P5155755, MSRP: $305

Jeep® Logo Differential Cover: Nothing says off-road more than Jeep. Separate dad's from others with logo-style front and rear covers. Part Number: P5155445 (Dana 30), Part Number: P5155446 (Dana 44), Part Number: P5155447 (Dana 60), MSRP: $180

Who is "Big Daddy" Don Garlits?  In a career that spanned more than five decades, he won three National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) world championships and a total of 144 national events. He was the first drag racer to surpass the 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, 260 and 270 mile-per-hour marks in the quarter mile. Garlits currently runs the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Fla.