Ask him about his appointment as an NHRA drag racing legend, and Bob Glidden, will just smile. He’ll likely offer, “I feel like a lucky  old fart.”

Call it luck. Call it whatever. But the numbers justify Glidden’s appointment.

Ten world championships, 85 national event victories and nine U.S. Nationals Pro Stock championships comprise only the NHRA portion of his resume.

“[Wife] Etta and I, the kids, have spent our lives drag racing and what we have today is because of our involvement with the NHRA,” Glidden said. “Believe me, I appreciate their recognition.”



Ask him about his appointment as an NHRA drag racing legend, and Bob Glidden, will just smile. He’ll likely offer, “I feel like a lucky old fart.”

Call it luck. Call it whatever. But the numbers justify Glidden’s appointment.

Ten world championships, 85 national event victories and nine U.S. Nationals Pro Stock championships comprise only the NHRA portion of his resume.

“[Wife] Etta and I, the kids, have spent our lives drag racing and what we have today is because of our involvement with the NHRA,” Glidden said. “Believe me, I appreciate their recognition.”

Glidden was long been regarded as one of the hardest workers in the Pro Stock division, a reputation which earned the Mad Dog nickname for his relentless work ethic. And for Glidden, when the hard work crossed paths with opportunity, it didn’t matter if he was racing a Ford Pinto, Ford Fairmont or EXP.

As successful as he was with the oddball combinations, Glidden cherishes the memories he made with his 1987 Thunderbird. Not even his undefeated 1978 Ford Fairmont could steal favor from the Thunderbird.

“I just liked the look of that old Thunderbird,” Glidden said. “Our first run set the class record. We ended up winning about 18 races with that car.”

Glidden made his NHRA debut at the 1972 NHRA World Finals in Ontario, Ca, with little more than hopes and dreams. He finished runner-up to Bill Jenkins.

“We had about $18,000 invested in everything we owned,” said Glidden, admitting the little known factoid. “This included our truck, race car and spare engine. We went to our first race in Ontario, Ca., and won $12,400 for finishing runner-up. That would be the equivalent of winning $400,000 today.

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