Bob Glidden
NHRA Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden earned 10 world championships during his illustrious career , but it ’ s likely his work ethic and fiercely competitive nature for which he will be remembered .
Known as “ Mad Dog ,” Glidden was singularly focused on dominating drag racing ’ s factory hot rod division , and he did just that during a career that spanned nearly three decades . Racing alongside his wife and sons , the proud Indiana native and diehard Ford racer is considered one of the greatest drag racers of all time and often pointed to his “ will to survive ” as being the driving force behind his success .
He was the ultimate racer ’ s racer , who leaned not on fortune , but grit , grind and ingenuity to win races and titles , as well as set world records that he admittedly rarely took the time to reflect on or enjoy . Glidden refused to rest on his laurels or bask in the glory and stardom attached to motorsports success , choosing instead to focus on the next mountain to climb en route to 85 national event wins – the third most in Pro Stock history , and a number that is over 50 wins ahead of any active driver in the
eliminator other than Greg Anderson .
Bob Glidden is a racer by which others are measured against ; a racer whose commitment and accomplishments have inspired countless others and continues to do so . The Pro Stock icon passed away on December 17th , 2017 , and remains one of the most dominant forces in the history of drag racing . – WES BUCK DI
Wally Parks
PHOTOS : MARK J . REBILAS , NHRA
W ally Parks ’ contribution to drag racing and the high-performance automotive aftermarket cannot be overstated . In the late 1940s , Parks became president of the Southern California Timing Association . The group promoted safe and organized competition on dry lake beds and pushed for the opening of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah for use by hot rodders .
Parks , who was named editor of HOT ROD Magazine in 1948 , founded the National Hot Rod Association ( NHRA ) in 1951 and led the organization for over three decades as the Glendora , California-based association became the world ’ s largest promoter of sportsman and professional drag racing , boasting 80,000 members and over 35,000 licensed competitors . The NHRA ’ s member track network includes over 120 venues in North America .
Wally Parks ’ accomplishments have earned him his rightful place in the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association ( SEMA ) Hall of Fame , the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame , amongst innumerable other honors over the years , including the presentation of a large bronze statue of the man himself that resides in front of the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona , California .
Parks passed away on September 28th , 2007 , at the age of 94 . Up until his final days , Parks was actively involved in the NHRA and dedicated much of his time to preserving automotive and racing history via his museum . An entire industry and community – countless jobs , superstar personalities , media members , professional and sportsman racers , brands and businesses – owe their existence to Wally Parks ’ passion for and promotion of drag racing . – WES BUCK DI
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