Bob Glidden, drag racing legend and 10-time NHRA Pro Stock champion, died Dec. 17. He was 73 years old, and passed away after a brief bout of illness.
Glidden earned the nickname ‘Mad Dog’ due to his intense work ethic. He began driving in Stock and Super Stock races during the late 60s, and went professional in 1972, just a year before his first NHRA national event victory at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. In ’74 – Glidden’s very first full season in Pro Stock – he won three major events and the Winston championship.
Later in the ’70s and during the latter half of the ’80s he was dominant in the class, claiming five titles straight in the ’80s and three additional titles in the ’70s. He boasted eight wins between 1990 and 1993, and despite having a heart attack in late 1994, he took an 85th and final NHRA Pro Stock victory at Englishtown in 1995.
He retired from driving in 1997, going to work on Ford’s NASCAR engine development program, but was back behind the wheel by ’98, driving a Pontiac in the U.S. Nationals. He took some time off from racing after that, save for a few appearances in his son Billy’s small-tire Mustangs, but returned yet again in 2010.
In ’94, Glidden was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and he took his place in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2001, the NHRA honored him with the No. 4 ranking on its Top 50 drivers of the sanctioning body’s first 50 years.
Throughout his career, Glidden almost single-handedly carried the banner for Ford. His wife Etta and sons Billy and Rusty provided invaluable support in his driving efforts, and his will to win and tireless commitment carried him across the finish line in first countless times. His legacy will continue to inspire racers of all stripes for years to come.
“Everyone in the NHRA community is saddened to learn the news of Bob’s passing,” said Peter Clifford, NHRA President. “He was a true competitor who left a lasting legacy of excellence both on and off the track. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the Glidden family at this difficult time.”
REST IN PEACE…MAD DOG……
Glidden was a dag racer who I seen sometimes when I was racing on dirt. He lived next door to CJ Rayburn a dirt racer and an ex drag racer. Glidden sometimes came along with CJ.
i was never a ford fan but you have to respect his racing. he was bad ass.
He was the “man to beat in pro stock” in the late 80’s. He was dominate. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
I remember when he crashed at Fremont, his car lay on it’s side. He crawled out, staggered once, noticed the hood was gone, took off his jacket and covered his home made intake manifold. He was always thinking and leading Pro Stock. Rest In Peace, Bob.
I was a big Bob Glidden fan back in the Pinto days.
I remember the tale of them stripping and sandblasting a Pinto unibody, then leaving it outside to rust. Then they’d blast off the rust and build a new racecar.
The rules said they couldn’t acid dip the body to reduce weight. No acid involved in this process. LOL
R.I.P. Bob, and condolences to the family.
Bob was a force to be reckoned with in his Pinto & Fairmont. That was one gnarly “Shoebox” !
He will be missed. R.I.P. Bob. Billy, continue carrying the banner! Condolences to you and your family.
God bless he will be missed Kenny G
I was a fan of his as a Pro-Stock racer but still am a Chevy fan. I met a former partner (Bobby Allen) while working in the used cars business in Ft. Wayne IN. I worked for John Zintsmaster and moved his 62 Chevy Impala factory racer. I want to express my deepest sympathy to his wife and boys.