Breaking News: Don Garlits gives the green light for I-75 expansion ahead of 2025 NHRA Gatornationals

Breaking News: Don Garlits Gives the Green Light for I-75 Expansion Ahead of 2025 NHRA Gatornationals

Ocala, FL – April 23, 2025 — In a move that is already being hailed as a game-changer for motorsports fans and Central Florida commuters alike, drag racing legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits has officially given his support to the long-anticipated expansion of Interstate 75. The announcement comes just ahead of the 2025 NHRA Gatornationals, one of the marquee events on the drag racing calendar, set to kick off in Gainesville next month.

Speaking from the grounds of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Garlits, now 93, addressed a crowd of local officials, transportation authorities, and racing enthusiasts. “The Gatornationals have always been a special event not just for racers, but for this entire region,” Garlits said. “This expansion project is critical to keeping the sport growing and making travel safer and faster for fans and families.”

The I-75 corridor, which connects Tampa to the Georgia state line and beyond, has long been plagued by congestion, especially during peak event weekends such as the Gatornationals. The proposed expansion includes the addition of two express lanes in each direction from Ocala to Gainesville, improved exit ramps near the Gainesville Raceway, and new smart traffic systems aimed at easing bottlenecks during high-traffic events.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials confirmed that the project, once stalled due to funding concerns, was accelerated thanks to a combination of federal infrastructure grants and private donations — including a notable pledge from Garlits himself.

“Don’s support helped get this over the finish line,” said FDOT District 5 Secretary Jennifer King. “He’s not only a motorsports icon, but a longtime advocate for safety and innovation. His endorsement brought a renewed sense of urgency and unity.”

The expansion is expected to be completed in phases, with the most critical upgrades scheduled to wrap before the Gatornationals begin on March 13, 2025. Road crews have already begun nighttime work to minimize daytime traffic disruptions, and FDOT reports that construction is ahead of schedule.

Fans of the NHRA series are optimistic that the upgrades will enhance the overall experience of attending the Gatornationals, which regularly draws tens of thousands of fans from across the country. Gainesville Raceway, home to the event since 1970, is one of the sport’s most beloved venues, and the smoother access could lead to record-breaking attendance numbers this year.

“This is a huge win for the community,” said Tony Schumacher, 8-time Top Fuel world champion and a fixture at the Gatornationals. “Nobody wants to sit in traffic when there’s 330-mile-an-hour dragsters waiting at the line. The quicker the trip, the better the weekend.”

Local businesses are also gearing up for the economic boost. Hotels in Ocala and Gainesville are reporting early sellouts, and restaurants along the corridor are preparing for a surge in travelers. Marion County tourism officials anticipate the event could inject over $20 million into the local economy — a significant increase over previous years.

While some environmental groups initially raised concerns about the expansion’s potential impact on nearby wetlands and wildlife corridors, FDOT has committed to a series of mitigative measures, including wildlife overpasses and noise-reduction infrastructure.

Still, for most, the tone is celebratory. “To have Don Garlits not just behind the wheel, but behind a project of this scale — that means something,” said Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn. “This isn’t just about roads. It’s about honoring a legacy and looking toward the future.”

As preparations continue, one thing is clear: with Garlits giving the green light, the road to the 2025 NHRA Gatornationals just got a lot smoother — and a whole lot faster.