Drag Illustrated Issue 129, January / February 2018 | Page 40
TRIBUTE
rag racing legend Bob Glidden passed away on
Dec. 17, 2017 at the age of 73 after a brief illness.
Glidden’s list of accomplishments in the sport is nearly
unparalleled and, by all accounts, will be remembered as
one of the best drivers in NHRA history. His resume speaks for itself:
10 NHRA Pro Stock world championships, one IHRA championship,
85 NHRA national event wins, nine U.S. Nationals victories, 122 NHRA
final rounds and 102 NHRA No. 1 qualifiers.
But while the victories and immense success provide impressive
historical perspective, what Glidden has meant to the sport has been
immeasurable and meant so much more. His grit, tireless work ethic
and insatiable will to succeed made Glidden who he is and treasured
by so many. A steely demeanor and iron will made Glidden appear 10
feet tall and bulletproof. It’s doubtful anyone worked harder or had
more of a desire to succeed than Glidden, two traits that created fans
for life. Even those who rooted against him had no choice but to respect
a man who continually worked to get better.
In his passing, fans, drivers, competitors and rivals remembered
the wins and the championships, and a stretch of brilliance during
Pro Stock’s heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, with many recalling their
favorite memories of watching his Ford streak down the dragstrip for
78 of those 85 wins.
But what truly stood out in online tributes was an appreciation for
how Glidden achieved his success. They admired a work ethic that was
unquestioned, with Jack Beckman calling him “the hardest working
man in the history of the sport” in his tribute on social media.
Other posts took a similar theme, briefly mentioning the incredible
success, but more importantly touching on what it took to get there.
Bob Tasca said Glidden’s “focus, determination and will was as strong
as anyone I ever met,” while others shared similar sentiments regaling
Glidden’s legendary work ethic.
He did not rest – often going days without it – until his level of suc-
cess was met, becoming a giant in the sport and creating moments
that shaped drag racing, defined the sport and will be talked about
for decades to come. There was becoming the first driver to 50 and 75
wins, the five-year run of championships in 1985-1989, the four straight
U.S. National wins from 1985-1988 and, of course, the memorable Ford
versus Chevy duels with Lee Shepherd.
There is no doubt Bob Glidden is an icon in the sport, but how he be-
came one is why his story and his life was so truly special. - JOSH HACHAT
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Bob Glidden