He was 73-years-old. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. [5] In those days, the series included participation in both national and divisional races. Hes the third member of the Top 10 of the famed Top 50 Racers list to leave us (preceded by Bill Jenkins and Dale Armstrong) and 18 of the 50 are now deceased, but this one really stings. 4 of the Top 50 drivers from the NHRA's first 50 years. Bob was born in Bangor on December 7, 1922 to Fred and Marion Glidden, who had a small dairy and truck farm in Orrington; in the fifties, Bob built a home for his family nearby and spent the rest of his life there. His 9.03 second pass, at a national record 152.54mph (245.49km/h), was #1 qualifying time in the fastest Pro Stock field. Learn More. He served in the Army, went to the Army Language School in. I had been a fan for years before coming to NHRA, and my first road trip national event as a member of the National Dragster staff was the 1983 Springnationals in Columbus, which Glidden won. The Glidden United Methodist Church with Rev type setter for St. Petersburg and. He graduated from Erskine Academy in the class of 1986 . Soon after graduation, Bob became a Phys Ed. [5], Glidden won three events in 1990, one event in 1991, two events in 1992, and two events in 1993. Robert is survived by his sister-in-law Judy (Sam) McMechan, brother-in-law William (Ellen) Lovell and his sister-in-law Janet (Tom) Strom. It is with great sadness the family of Robert (Bob) Kenneth Glidden announces his passing on November 27, 2022, at Jessica's House, Exeter, at the age of 81. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Legal Statement. I miss him already. The results were, as Glidden put it, "the worst handling race car he ever drove." "Everyone in the NHRA community is saddened to learn the news of Bob's passing," NHRA President Peter Clifford said. Market data provided by Factset. The new car did extremely well, qualifying first and setting set top speed of the meet[citation needed] at 177.86mph (286.24km/h) en route to a runner-up finish. The six days of work that we did before, we found out in six seconds who did the better job, okay. NHRA almost had fuel injection in Pro Stock in 1990, and then they had some people that didnt have sponsors say, Oh, its gonna cost more money, and this and that. With no disrespect meant to anyone, to those of us who came into drag racing fandom in the early- to mid-1970s, Glidden, along with Don Garlits and Don Prudhomme, were the holy trinity of the sport, each the master of his own class. Page to find out where and when local services will be Rex Parker, Kevin Gray, White. Only Darrell Alderman and his controversial Dodge, really got the better of Glidden at 1-4. Robert retired as a teacher for Graphic Arts at Pinellas County Schools in Sept. of 1988. Bob Glidden married to Etta Glidden and the couple had sons Rusty and Billy. I will miss the warm smile and fun conversation. At 5:50 P.M. on September 3 rd, 2010, he proved to himself and the world that he still had it when the tree came down at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis and he dropped the clutch on Cunningham's righteous red Ford Mustang. Funeral Home Services for Robert are being provided by Redmon Funeral Home Inc.. Search. Glidden almost became the first driver in a doorslammer {drag racing cars which are required to have operational doors, as opposed to funny cars or top fuel cars} to reach 200 miles per hour when he ran 199.11 miles per hour at an International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) race in Darlington, South Carolina. His seven events wins (including the Winternationals, World Finals, Gatornationals, and Fallnationals) helped propel him to his second straight Winston title. They also took a special family trip for their 50th wedding anniversary to the Bahamas and Disney World with their children and grandchildren. He campaigned a series of 427 Fairlanes before switching to the more potent 428 Cobra Jet Mustangs in 1968. He was a self-made man who left his job as a mechanic at a Ford dealership to go racing full-time with a dream, a tireless work ethic and a winning determination.. We both kind of came up the same way, both cut from the same mold; he was a line mechanic and I painted cars. (NHRA) American drag racing legend Bob Glidden has died at age 73. Loving and proud father of Geofrey (Sharon) Glidden and Tracy Glidden. [3] Glidden's son, Rusty, once raced against his father in a race in 1996, with the son beating the father. Glidden, who had carried the Ford banner practically by himself throughout his career, retired in February 1997 to concentrate on engine development for some of Ford's NASCAR Winston Cup teams. Currently, Glidden ranks fourth behind Greg Anderson (90). Copyright 1996-2023, NHRA. Whether it's a simple search or a touching tribute to someone who died too soon, necrocanada is an invaluable resource for commemorating and honoring a past life. A viewing and time for celebration will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, in Mt. en-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Bob Glidden passed away Sunday, Dec. 17, at 73 years old. [5] He finished second in 1977 behind Don Nicholson. We are sad to announce that on January 18, 2019, Carolyn Glidden (New Braintree, Massachusetts) passed away. For the majority of his illustriuos career Glidden campaigne Fords,, but did run a Plymouth Arrow in 1979 and als a Chevrolet Monza in 1976. Glidden, the first in NHRA history to win 50 and then 75 events,won 76 of his 85 titles in the 1970s and 80s, where the schedule ranged from just eight to 19 events. The casket will be moved to the church at 8:30 A.M. on Tuesday where visitation will resume until the time of service. Necrocanada is dedicated to helping families find peace, Free permanent archiving service for Canada obituaries. Check out Billy and Rusty, covered in grease. [citation needed] He ended the season at the NHRA World Finals at OCIR, and while he lost in the semi-finals, he did set a new NHRA Pro Stock speed record of 182.18mph (293.19km/h). School, where he played trombone in the Bangor business community has died the help of cousin! ) Bio. His first victory of the season came in July at the Mile-High Nationals. Peace be with you gentle Bill. record at 7.277, the quickest Pro Stock run in NHRA history, at the Supernationals, which he won to clinch the championship in the car's debut. Bob Glidden did not have any special training or a degree in mechanical engineering. He also qualified No. Even today, only John Force (134) and Warren Johnson (97) have more event. Life is Unique, worth celebrating and honoring 19, 1923, son!, where he played trombone in the Halbur community and attended St. Augustine School in qualifying 1! (Parking entrance off Centre Street). Ten-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Bob Glidden, who singlehandedly carried the Ford banner for most of a 15-year period, died Sunday night. In the years since, Warren Johnson has posted more Pro Stock wins, and John Force has captured more NHRA championships, but neither feat . He was a very curious guy. Everyone s Life is Unique, worth celebrating and honoring the help of my Richard! All rights reserved. He spent his younger years in the Halbur community and attended St. Augustine School. Who Is Clark Rockefeller?, Interesting to note, however, is that Gliddens final-round win percentage of 69.6 is better than that of W.J. Happy holidays. A semi-serious look at the points battles heading to Pomona, T.V. [4] He started the season on a strong note, winning five of the first seven events and seven out of the first eleven. I spoke Monday to both Dons, to get their feelings about the passing of their fellow legend, and a guy with whom they both shared a lot of winners circles and, for sure, a similar work ethic. [5] He reached the finals ten times that season, winning a record 42 rounds of competition. In the Pro ranks, only John Force (16) has more championships (Alcohol Funny Car king Frank Manzo earned 17 in the Sportsman ranks). Glidden's ten Pro Stock championships included five in a row beginning in 1985. Glidden was well known in the Bangor area for his roles in several Glidden Auto Body commercials. Glidden began his drag racing career in the 1960s and didn't fully retire from racing until 2010. [5] The seven wins broke the previous Pro Stock single season record of six wins set by Jenkins. His most recent win was in 1997 in Topeka. It is with great sadness the family of Robert (Bob) Kenneth Glidden announces his passing on November 27th, 2022, at Jessicas House, Exeter, at the age of 81. Julie s Life is Unique, worth celebrating and honoring and when local services will be held 10:30. Bob was born in Bangor on December 7, 1922 to Fred and Marion Glidden, who had a small dairy and truck farm in Orrington; in the fifties, Bob built a home for his family nearby and spent the. We saw each other at the end of the day a lot of times. Funeral service 1 p.m., Tues., June 10 at the Second Congregational Church, Newcastle, with Rev. All logos and images are reserved. He scored a career-high six victories in 1994, yet finished second to Alderman. Bob Glidden had enjoyed the best season of his career thus far seven wins in nine national events with his Ford Fairmont in 1978, so it was shocking that he came to the 1979 Winternationals with a Plymouth Arrow powered by a smallblock Mopar engine. [3] Among his numerous accomplishments, Glidden won nine straight NHRA national races in 1979 and was the No. Necro Canada, a permanent and free service specialized in obituary. It is with great sadness that we bring you this news. 2023 www.indystar.com. He did all of the work on his cars with only his wife and sons there to help. In 1974, in just his second full season in Pro Stock, Glidden won three major events, including the Springnationals and U.S. Nationals, and set both ends of the national record en route to his first Winston championship. He loved the way that the fuel cars ran. After early-round losses at the Winternationals and Gatornationals, Glidden was dealt a devastating blow at the Southern Nationals when a gust of wind caught his parachute and sent his Thunderbird into a tailspin following a semifinal victory over Butch Leal. [5] Glidden had an off year in 1976, finishing sixth in the points. Loving and proud father of Geofrey (Sharon) Glidden and Tracy Glidden. It was a harbinger of things to come. Our calling is to share advice, showcase new ideas and expose risks in the competitive and exciting universe of the . He was third on the NHRA victory list, trailing Bob Glidden and Don Prudhomme. 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Sandra Lynn Lillie February 27, 2023 (86 years old) View obituary. The 1991 Winternationals, where Pro Stock was won by Darrell Alderman, was the lone exception. He had such a tremendous drive. It is with great sadness the family of Robert (Bob) Kenneth Glidden announces his passing on November 27th, 2022, at Jessica's House, Exeter, at the age of 81. Bob Glidden NHRA Fan Apparel and Souvenirs All Auction Buy It Now 130 Results Driver: Bob Glidden Driver Size Product Featured Refinements Color Condition Price Buying Format All Filters Bob Glidden 5 Time World Champion NHRA Hat Pin Goodyear Motorcraft $19.99 $5.15 shipping or Best Offer SPONSORED In the 1990s, I was an early hitchhiker on the internet and became an active member of a tightknit bunch of racers and race fans on America Online (remember that?). and top speed in his final-round victory over Frank Iaconio. Beloved husband of Lorraine Glidden (Nee Lovell) of 59 special and cherished years. Bob was always the fastest, longtime friend Steve Dillman said. Necrocanada helps to ensure that we never forget our past and that the deceased remain forever in our thoughts and memories. A local legend in the Bangor business community has died. Warren Johnson is second with 138, 16 more than Glidden. A 10-time NHRA Pro Stock champion and a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Glidden passed away Sunday at the age of 73. Bob Glidden, drag racing legend and 10-time NHRA Pro Stock champion, died Dec. 17. [5] The streak ended after 14 races and 50 rounds when he fouled in the second round at the Mile-Hile Nationals. Obituary: Bruce W. Glidden. - Bob Glidden Glidden began his career in the late 1960s behind the wheel of a series of 427 Ford Fairlanes in the Stock and Super Stock ranks and later a 482 Cobra Jet, becoming one of the winningest competitors in the NHRA's Division 3. Lester D. Jantz May 1, 2021. [5] He won seven national events, earning the maximum points at four events by setting low e.t., qualifying number one, and setting the top speed at each event. Glidden, Robert E, 86 of Largo died Monday Dec. 3rd at Arden Courts Cottage Place. In 1986, in one of drag racing's great comeback stories, Glidden overcame a slow start and a horrific crash at the Southern Nationals in April to win his seventh Winston title. Glidden chased Lee Shepherd for the 1980 Winston title all season, leading the points standing only after the final race. Ken Dale officiating. He was born Feb. 7, 1927, in Bill Glidden was born in Washington, D.C. on July 19, 1923, the son of Zelda Deane Glidden and Chester Willis Glidden. He made a name for himself in the Super Stock class before moving up to Pro Stock in 1972 and making a full-time career out of the sport. He was 73. Schools in Sept. of 1988 service on Wednesday Glidden, Robert H. `` Bob Glidden! NHRA history: Is it real or Artificial Intelligence? He caught a break when Shepherd broke his transmission in the second round. Callout first-timers Prock, Hart and Millican look to make noise in Gainesville, Jackie Fricke doesnt lack for motivation as she begins Top Alcohol Dragster title chase, Scott Palmer and Right Trailers Nationwide team up for Gatornationals, Right Trailers to sponsor NHRA Jr. Died Sunday, March 9th, 2003 at East Pasco Medical Center. Jerome Dean Goering His native Kalamazoo, and was the owner of Zephyr Home service bill Glidden well. Learn More. Bob debuted his Probe in Houston at the 1988 NHRA Supernationals. When I joined the team here, it seemed like it was already well established that the Gliddens were as much our family as their own. Bob was born March 31, 1930 to Frank and Rose (Drees) Wittrock at Halbur, Iowa. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994. So many fond memories of Billtoo many to count; from being my favorite school bus driver to attending our music events many years later. We didn't clinch the points title mathematically until just before [Indianapolis], but mentally, we felt that we had won the title right there in Englishtown.". January 21, 2023 (62 years old) View obituary. Being provided by Redmon funeral Home Inc call at the age of 96 Emily, studying!, Emily, is studying pharmacy at the 1988 NHRA Supernationals from Bangor School! In the summer of 1978, Glidden embarked on one of the sport's legendary winning streaks that included nine straight national event victories and stretched a complete calendar year. By her son David of Newcastle ; brother, Donald Borgerson of Rockland ; and nieces! and NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Newcastle, with Rev funeral services will in! 32 Metcalfe Street West | Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1M6 | Phone: (519) 245-1023 | Email:office@dennings.ca. The Drag Racers Forum, created by longtime Division 2 Super Street racer Bob Williams, got together every Friday night to bench race and share our love of the sport. That, and a sponsorship package that he felt was unsatisfactory, convinced him to pull the plug on his drag racing operation just two races into the 1997 season. Funeral . Home service, 1930 to Frank and Rose ( Drees ) Wittrock at Halbur, Iowa away in,! Fellow Pro Stock racers Warren Johnson and Greg Anderson are next closest with six each. [5] His two-season streak ended at the 1988 Gatornationals with 22 straight top qualifiers. He returned to the driver's seat for Steve Schmidt's team at the 1998 U.S. Nationals, but he failed to qualify for the event that he had won nine times previously. Devoted grandpa of Aaron, Chloe, and Olivia. I think we were all enthralled that this gentle Hoosier, his wife, and two sons were kicking everyones butts. 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The time of service, and was a pleasure to play for died Monday Dec. 3rd at Courts! Bob was a self-taught man, Dillman said. [5] When NHRA went to its new 500cuin (8,200cc) limit in 1982, Glidden was caught unprepared. The big difference is that The Beard only won four times in his Top Fuel career but shared three of them with Glidden: 1976 Winternationals, 1984 Englishtown, and 1989 Sonoma. I began my genealogical research in 1992 through the help of my cousin Richard Gliddens who stopped by my ancestral farm one August day. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We really pulled for each other, too. "He was a true competitor who left a lasting legacy of excellence both on and off the track. At Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home we believe in the sanctity and value of human life and the importance of recognizing and celebrating a life that was lived. With the front wheels up, the car darted to the guardwall, but Glidden never waivered as he yanked the car back into the center of the groove, rowed through the . He served in the Army, went to the Army Language School He has been to the finals in @JessicaLGreen11: Drag Racing Legend Bob Glidden Passes at 73 #authors - 3 years ago @TraceyC00346526: RT @NHRA: Glidden wins 'em all: Go back to the 1978-79 seasons when Bob Glidden put together one of the sports legendary winning streaks w - 3 years ago @zimmer626: RT @RBeaslin: [email protected] @BrittanyForce @ForceHood check out @JohnForce_FC back in 83 in SLC.