Tom “TC” Lemons
While growing up in Bixby Oklahoma, Tommy Lemons became acquainted with Southwestern racers such as Connie Swingle, Don Cook, and Bob Creitz. Swingle returned to Don Garlits shop following a 1968 vacation in Oklahoma, it was Connie riding in the passenger seat of Tommy’s blue Ford pickup. Lemons joined Swingle on Garlits payroll, and for nearly two decades Tommy-nicknamed “Top Cat” -would be Don’s right-hand man. Together, they opitomized the two-man top fuel team of the 1970s, when a touring top fuel operation consisted of just a driver and a crew chief. Among other things, Garlits credits TC for helping perfect the rear engine design that revolutionized sport in 1971. All told, Lemons was involved in construction of 19 different Swap Rat dragsters. He also restored many of the vintage race cars in the Garlits collection. Tommy played a key role in the relocation of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing from Seffner to Ocala Florida. Many of the restored vehicles in the museum reflect TC’s craftsmanship and tenacity.