For Bob and Etta Glidden, the vision of their children working feverishly to prepare their Ford for the next round of NHRA competition evoked too many memories to keep silent. Son Billy and daughter-in-law Shannon reminded the famous drag racing couple of themselves many years ago.
Bob and Etta Glidden won ten NHRA Pro Stock series championships and captured 85 nationals event wins during their tenure. Billy and Shannon fell two rounds short of winning their first race on Monday during the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
For Bob and Etta Glidden, the vision of their children working feverishly to prepare their Ford for the next round of NHRA competition evoked too many memories to keep silent. Son Billy and daughter-in-law Shannon reminded the famous drag racing couple of themselves many years ago.
Bob and Etta Glidden won ten NHRA Pro Stock series championships and captured 85 nationals event wins during their tenure. Billy and Shannon fell two rounds short of winning their first race on Monday during the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Billy, after qualifying No. 16 with a career best 5.99 in his Mickey Thompson-sponsored Mustang, reached the semis of the Pro modified division by taking out No. 1 qualifier Don Walsh Jr. and then Dan Stevenson. The Gliddens lost to eventual runner-up Pete Farber.
“Those kids work hard,” said Etta Glidden, who was officially listed as her husband’s crew chief. “Shannon works as hard as Billy and they make a good team. They are so well in tune with one another. I know the fans watched us work, but I don’t think they realized that when we were working we didn’t do this as a hobby. It was our profession. Billy and Shannon thrash like we used to and just as soon as we got to a stopping point, we always made a beeline for the fans. We wanted to thank them for coming out, cheering for us and asking for an autograph.”
“I couldn’t keep from crying,” added Bob.
The elder Gliddens, who live in Whiteland, Indiana, knew all too well the sheer ecstasy of winning an Indy crown. They are currently tied with Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher for the most wins at nine.
Billy and Shannon have experienced success with multiple titles in Outlaw 10.5 titles in various racing series. But with the Pro Modified title they now chase, it’s a different world than Bob and Etta faced in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Bob said he’s okay with being a spectator as his competitive itch is now scratched, ironically as he describes himself, as a “scratch” golfer.
“It’s a lot different standing and watching,” Bob said. “I am so proud of these kids. They have had a tough season and to see them finally come together, get the car down the track just shows the hard work pays off when you never give up.
Etta remembers the days when she left the track with grease underneath her fingernails because it was part of the job description. She sees a devoted Shannon filling the role with her son.
“You won’t find any better when it comes to personality and work ethic,” said Etta.
If Bob had his druthers, he’d just as soon see his son pass his marks.
“Those championships are all in the past, and it’s a sheer joy to watch the sport growing,” Bob said.
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