The Texas Motorplex today announced Don Garlits, Hall of Fame Top Fuel driver and drag racing innovator, and original Texas Motorplex General Manager Glenn Menard have been named Texas Motorplex Legends in advance of the 2026 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Garlits and Menard are among some of the earliest drag racing personalities to contribute to establishing Texas Motorplex as the first super-track in NHRA history when it opened in 1986.
“When the Motorplex opened and hosted its first national event Don and Glenn were a major part of our success,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “Don is drag racing and he is one of the biggest legends in the sport. He won the first Texas Fall Nationals and has been a long-time competitor and supporter of the track. The impact Glenn had on the development of the track is almost impossible to measure. His leadership and dedication in the early years set the track on a path to success.”
Garlits has been a technological pioneer in the sport and his race win total, both at national events and match races for decades, is impressive. His innovations changed drag racing both for fans and for racers. He is more than a racing legend he is an American icon who is celebrated in Halls of Fame, museums and race tracks across the country. His 1986 Top Fuel victory at the inaugural Texas Fall Nationals set the stage for over 40 years of racing excellence.
Menard brought an operational and organizational mindset and leadership capability to the Texas Motorplex well before the first Top Fuel dragster or Funny Car went down the track. He was at the helm as General Manager when the track opened in 1986 and he came back to that role decades later following successful tenures with the Super Bowl, World Cup and the Superdome. Menard is recognized nationally as one of the best facility and event managers in the country.
The Texas Motorplex Legends will be recognized and presented with their one-of-a-kind Legend spurs at separate ceremonies throughout the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, October 16-18. For tickets to the Stampede of Speed or the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals visit www.stampedeofspeed.com.
This story was originally published on September 15, 2026.
The post Don Garlits and Glenn Menard Named Texas Motorplex Legends first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
