2nd generation racer Billy Glidden is making the very best of his recent switch to turbocharged Pro Mod cars…
Glidden who is son to legenary NHRA Pro Stock racer Bob Glidden, and who formally raced nitrous-injected Pro Mod cars exclusively, raced to victory in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals last weekend in Ohio.
That weekend’s Pro Mod racing event was presented by The Real Pro Mod Association and the Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park stop was the sixth of 10 Pro Mod events on the 2016 season.
Glidden, who was making only his third event start as driver for Harry Hruska’s Precision Turbo Chevy Camaro won the final with a 5.893-second pass at 245.63 mph while his opponent Bob Rahaim red-lit at the starting line in his TLC Waste Disposal Services C7 Chevy Corvette.
“I didn’t feel any pressure,” said Glidden, son of legendary Pro Stock racer Bob Glidden, “I felt a lot more pressure in the 70s, 80s, and 90s when dad was racing. Inside the car I really just don’t get nervous.”
Glidden qualified 10th and got past Von Smith and Mike Janis on Sunday en route to his first win of the season, second of his career. Glidden is sixth in the points standings. He also set top speed of the event for the Pro Mod class at 251.81 mph.
Rahaim, from Michigan, who was the No. 1 qualifier (at 5.828 secs) sprinted past Steve Whitelely and two-time world champion Rickie Smith in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
The Pro Mod class at Norwalk was a very swift one – with the bump spot dipping to a 5.984 secs set by Edmonton’s Jim Bell.
Posted with files by Bruce Biegler & NHRA Communications
All Photos by: Steve Embling