Bob Glidden/Dan Fletcher

[modelman1960]

They are both Class Acts. I took a couple of pictures of Mr. Glidden back at Englishtown in 1975. 1 of his 70 Mustang Pro/S and 1 of him sitting in his old Pinto Pro/s that he'd sold to Doc Dixon(I think, someone chime in if I'm wrong). I had them enlarged and took them to Maple Grove in 1989 to ask him to sign them. It was raining and he was in his trailer. I caught Etta's attention and asked her if he'd sign them. She came back out and motioned me to come under the "barrier" and into the trailer. I stepped in and there was Bob sitting in a directors chair just relaxing. What a layout that trailer was. He asked me if I was a Ford fan, and all I could say was no..... I'm a big Bob Glidden fan because he could make anything fast. He thanked me not vicea-versa, He qualified 4th and won the race that weekend.
I built a 1/24th replica of Dan's Summit SS/IA Camaro around 2001/2002 and presented it to him at a divisional race at Lebanon Valley. He liked it some much he had me pose with it and him for a photo that he later posted in National Dragster that year. They are both great ambassadors for our sport. Bob's photos still hang on my wall in my office at work.
P.S. For the Ford guys........... I've learned as I've gotten older to appreciate all kinds of cars, regardless of manufacturer.
Long winded here.
God Bless.
Walt

[donald raiser]

way cool!!!!!!!! both class acts!!!!!!!!

[Bob Don]

I met Glidden at 1980 Grandnationals and spoke briefly with Dan at New England Nats. Both class acts for sure!

[chris ok]

I met Mr. Glidden at E Town when he won the Pro Stock Shootout I think it was. He signed my Budweiser can, yes I still have it. 93 I think it was. Met Mr. Fletcher in Rochester Empire Nats a couple times, to compliment his Camaro. What did he call it when it was orange, I am embarressed I forgot at this time. 2 very nice people, glad to speak to you when they are not wrenching.
Chris

[modelman1960]

Dan called it "Checkmate" and I think his Dad originally named it.
It was a "hand-me down as far as I know. Imagine that.
We all should be so fortunate.
Walt

[Keith 944]

years ago I was parked near Dan and talked to him a lot about the checkmate car, I had seen a lot about this car as I was growing up. guys, we are witnessing history in the making. these will be story's about "I knew him when" anyway I want to say congrats to Dan for all he has done and I am sure he will continue to be a legend of the sport.

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Congrtulations Dan,
That is a big milestone,when the "Mad dog" Glidden calls and congratulates you,it's a big deal.
I always was and still are a Glidden fan, guys like him are what I think are true pros,to make it short,he can do it all.

Who's left to pass now WJ and Force go get them Dan.
Mike Taylor 3601

[raceannouncer]

Originally Posted by modelman1960

Dan called it "Checkmate" and I think his Dad originally named it.
It was a "hand-me down as far as I know. Imagine that.
We all should be so fortunate.
Walt

Tom Fletcher/Dan Fletcher's "Checkmate" 1969 Camaro has been a drag racing car ALL it's life. it was taken to the drags right off the showroom floor! (Photographer:unknown...)

[Bucky Hess]

Man thats a great picture. Congrats Dan, Unbelievable! You make it look easy

[MORT did it]

Originally Posted by raceannouncer

Tom Fletcher/Dan Fletcher's "Checkmate" 1969 Camaro has been a drag racing car ALL it's life. it was taken to the drags right off the showroom floor! (Photographer:unknown...)

The photo of Tom Fletcher was taken by me , Lynn Morton , in the mid 70's at the now defunct Utica-Rome Dragway in Vernon , NY .