Down But Not Out: Glidden Soon To Debut New Bullet In XTF

In the long and decorated career of second-generation racer Billy Glidden, there have been few, if any, times that he hasn’t been the dominant force, regardless of the venue, the rules, or the competition. But now, three years removed from an ADRL championship and more than two tenths behind Extreme 10.5 Goliath Dan Millen, Glidden finds himself in the unfamiliar and unenviable position of playing catch up.

But while many nitrous racers would – and have – thrown in the towel and take their racing efforts elsewhere, Glidden is only more motivated by the uphill battle that he faces. Despite the disadvantage on paper, Billy was able to outlast top qualifiers Millen and Frankie Taylor at the recent season opener in Houston to reach the final round, where he fell to first time winner Lamar Swindoll Jr. And if he has his way, that certainly won’t be the last time you’ll see him in a final this year.

As was reported a year ago and finally confirmed this week in an interview with ADRL.us, Glidden has partnered with famed engine builder Sonny Leonard and recently took delivery of a new 635-inch bullet that will, at a yet undetermined point this season, replace the current 429-inch Hemi that’s been in the Glidden family since 1982.

Said Billy via ADRL.us, “We have to build different things and there’s expenses to be made, so we have to pace ourselves with that,” Glidden said. “It’s a more conventional type engine and it makes a little more power, but it might be a couple races before we’re comfortable. “It’s not like we can just throw it in and show up. We have to be realistic about what can and can’t get done.”

With the uncanny ability to do more with less than perhaps anyone in the sport, there should be little doubt that Billy Glidden, despite the odds, will find a way to put himself back into contention for yet another title.